Without an atlas I would be lost. Google is definitely ok for that.
If someone leaves a source on the pic, (ie. Pacific Tours) it would be bad form to google it. Same as if someone forgot to remove the original address and you "happen" to clicky the properties and see it. Those are no-nos.
If you have a hunch, go ahead and google the place to see if it looks similar. I never use pics from page 1 anyway, so its likely you would have to dig awhile before you found an exact match. If you try to google things like "red tower" or "big bridge" you'll likely get some scottish castle and the 7th Street Bridge in Pittsburgh. Not very helpful.