https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_%22Hope%22_poster

This is probably the most notable recent example of the kind of thing you’re talking about. Whether or not Shepard self sabotaged in order to not set precedent is another question.

There are stock image houses with a bunch of images for sale at the price of a monthly membership. Using those and doing filters would probably be safe, but that’s taking for granted that you’re paying for all the licenses.

Stock image companies are kind of selfish [capitalist machines that screw artists], so YMMV.