Q. How do I know if photographs, drawings, artistic renderings that I don’t hold the sole copyright would be considered a fair use to include in my dissertation?

As explained in another FAQ, the purpose for including the material is most important for you to consider. If what you’re including is essential to explain, critique, or demonstrate something in your dissertation, this would strongly weigh in favor of fair use. Using something for mere aesthetic or decorative appeal would not.

For more detailed information for determining whether using an image would be fair use, refer to page 12 of the Statement on the Fair Use of Images for Teaching, Research, and Study.