What is submitting a photo that isn't yours or failing to cite the source of a photo considered?

Submitting a photo that isn't yours or failing to cite the source of a photo is considered plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs when someone uses another person’s work, ideas, or intellectual property without proper attribution, presenting it as their own. In the context of photography, this means taking a photo that was created by someone else and submitting it without giving credit to the original photographer.

Acknowledging the source of a photo is crucial not only to respect the rights of the original creator but also to maintain integrity within creative and academic fields. By failing to provide proper attribution, one misrepresents the ownership of the work, which can lead to legal and ethical consequences. This aligns closely with the concept of intellectual property rights, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the contributions of others in creative endeavors.