Hello there.... if I put the HTML code for this image in the content window, it doesn't display on a slideshow I have on my homepage. If I try to do it as a media embed it doesn't work either. if I add it through the gallery it works... problem is... the image I want to use I need to hotlink it. I can't hotlink through the gallery.

In order for an image to be shown in other modules you have to use the K2 Image tab.
If you want the default behaviour, the modal link and window you can override your template.
A custom link can be placed with a custom field.

More on overrides can be found here: getk2.org/documentation/tutorials/174-templating-with-k2-and-the-concepts-of-sub-templates

thank you

You 're welcome.