Animation Source Forums

There always has been a strict rule against photo backgrounds. Understandable, because many people were taking random, copyrighed photos from Google.
However, not everyone can draw backgrounds and sometimes it's very toublesome if they'd like to add some interesting background to their drawings. People can take their own pictures and there are free stocks that they can use. If you add some effects to the photo, it can blend pretty well with the drawing and it's not very disturbing. Here are some examples of stock photo usage and blending:
http://fav.me/d3ju8dx
http://fav.me/d6er0tl
http://fav.me/d5opvmy
http://fav.me/d6cu38e
If the photo is altered and blended well with the image; and if the photo is used with permission (the member should state if they're using either their own picture or a free stock - and in this case credit&link back to the stock) I think the drawing shouldn't be deactivated.

I used to be all for photo backgrounds not being allowed at all, thinking how could any look good with animated movies (renders, line arts etc). Plus what you already said with stealing. Now though I wouldn't mind them being allowed, at least with rules.

Fore instance similar to Renders and Linearts... The photo would need to be well taken (not blurry or have something that shouldn't be there), one that is free to use and relevant to the image, and the member would have to give proper credit. I know there are a ton of sites out there now that allow their stock photos ( we could list some if this is considered) to be used, but some also have their own rules, like the work must be kept to that site. So obviously those personal rules would need to be followed as well.

Then of course a member can take their own photos if they can/want. It would certainly help anyone trying to get into photography to practice that way. Without it dominating an image gallery. We may just have to be careful with allowing them. A limit might not be needed right away though.

As much as I like this idea (Because I suck at drawing backgrounds XD), I think it should not be allowed.

It can be hard telling apart a user who took the photo and a user who stole one. I'm sure anyone can place the "Photo(C) me" in their description.

With stolen art, someone can recognise a style, or they have seen that art elsewhere, and report it.
With stolen photos, it's hard to recognise a "style" and not as many people probably look through Photography. =/

I'd rather save everyone from the hassle and keep the no photo's rule.

I agree about own photos because it's hard to tell and you don't really have a proof, but how abut stocks then? You can link back to the stock page and people can always check rules (if it's allowed outside DA or not) and deactivate it or not.