Okay I read through all of the comments here and I'm endeavoring to be as objective as possible. I would say that including the original photo, along with the source for that photo, would be the right way to go, because it does seem as though you created the entire thing yourself. Which seems a bit dishonest.
As for the voting bots. It is perfectly in your right to use them, as you stated. But I will tell you that anytime I, or many people I know, run across a post that is involved with vote buying, we pass it on by. And if you're name is remembered for it, it won't matter what number your reputation shows, it will have been 'bought'. Maybe that won't matter, I can't say, I'm unaware of anyone who has successfully moved away from upvote bots (or breaking even, if that) and started doing well on their own. Again, that doesn't mean it hasn't or won't happen.
But, yeah, just give credit to the original piece, that may solve this issue.