Pictures are worth ... a lot: Resources for Biblical Pictures

Sometimes you really need a picture of a biblical location to tell the story. Where, for example, are you going to find a picture of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives like the one above?

There are a number of issues to consider when looking for biblical pictures. First, you want pics of suitable quality. Be sure to preview the picture in the format you plan to use it. Second, the photo should tell a story or help you to tell the biblical story more clearly. Some resources provide clear descriptions to help you in this way. Third, do you want actual photos or drawn pictures/illustrations. The list I have created is focused on photos. For drawings/illustrations, check the Bible Illustration blog. Finally, one of the main issues you need to keep in mind is whether you can obtain permission to use a picture. (I've talked a bit previously about copyright issues with regard to biblical maps.)

I have compiled a list of programs, sites, and other resources that provide access to photos of biblical sites. I have a description of about 20 such resources for now, but I suspect that there are many more. Leave a comment, and I will update the list.

In addition to the descriptions, I provide some example pics (I am particularly amazed by the examples I show of what GoogleEarth and Microsoft VirtualEarth can do of replicating real, on-the-ground pics), and a summary of recommendations. If you are in a hurry, here are my recommendations for now:

Summary

For high quality, high-resolution pictures:

• If you have Accordance, use the Bible Lands PhotoGuide.
• Buy "Pictorial Library of Bible Lands" CDs from BiblePlaces
• Use pictures from the Holy Land Photos site
• If you have money to spend, use Biblical World in Pictures

Best online sites:

• OpenBible.info - Photos of Bible Places: Great organization, but you will have to sort through mixed quality of pics.
• Holy Land Photos: Clear and generous permission policy; excellent quality
• The Virtual World Project: Great presentation and interesting pics

Ways to get pictures to use in your own presentations (i.e., clear use permissions)

• Holy Land Photos: Clear and generous permission policy; excellent quality
• Most of the packages that you buy allow for presentation use
• It will take some checking, but many pictures on Flickr have clear Creative Commons usages described

And here again is the complete LISTING of programs, sites, and other resources. Let me know if you have others I should add.