from forum policy page, fyi

*** What is Direct/Hot-Linking?
Direct Linking occurs when you "pull" a photo directly from a different website for embedded display in your post. If you do this without permission from the site on which the photo is hosted, you are in effect stealing bandwidth from them.

However, if you are hosting your photos on a photo sharing site, that site probably allows you to hot-link your own photos. Check your host's Terms Of Use Agreement if you are unsure.