How to cite for a figure taken from a paper?

[maNoFchangE]

I want to present a picture which was taken from a paper in my thesis. Can I simply write at the end of the figure caption "(taken from [reference])" or should I get an official permission from the paper's author?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

If it copyrighted (most are), you need permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be the author.