You get paid for producing?
Writers get paid for their writing. Photographers and models for their work and musicians for learning how to play. Nothing in this world is free and saying it should be doesn't change a thing.
You were not told to stop posting pictures of models, all you were asked to do was to cite your sources, list where you found the pictures. That link to the photographer or model's website could draw more people to their site, perhaps even giving them work. That way, the model and photographer could benefit from your use of their work.
That is how Steemit works. Unique content is not necessarily all about making stuff up of your own and posting only that. It's about finding something and sharing it with your own perspective added to it.
The pictures of the models you posted would have been enhanced by your commentary perhaps. A view on the lighting, poses or even underwear, that, plus citing where you got the pictures from would have possibly drawn positive comments rather than the criticism you did receive.
Take a look around this site, the potential is awesome if you learn to use it properly.
Good luck.