All kinds of non photo but nonetheless important questions

[Mad Cat]

Hi All,

I'm looking for either a forum or else a true expert with which to discuss the various legal and ethical situations what photo shooters in particular are likely to encounter. The other day I had a gentleman pose for me for an image I was going to use in the current Dgrin contest. I gave him an 8x print the following day and he beat feet to the photo counter at wal mart or walgreens to make copies, and was turned down, quite correctly. All he had was a print rather than a file on a card or cd, - and it was obvious that the image was no simple snap shot....

This got me to thinking about the minefield of laws that we currently have to walk through.

If I supply a photo client with a DVD of finished images so they can go make as many images for their family as they want, who now owns the rights to these images? Can I use them on my website without their permission? What are my options if I see one of these images in a big two page spread ad for cosmetics? Suppose they do something with the image that distorts it to the point that it's not even recognizable as mine? If thre's a person or discussion group out there that has any answers I really need to hear from them.... Thanks guys, Mad-Cat/Wess

[ChatKat]

First off when you shoot, you need a model release. That gives you permission to use the photo as you see fit. You can sell it, advertise with it, post it - you are getting permission to use a person - or an object's likeness.

Once you've created it you own the copyright. You should regsiter your images with the copyright office periodically so you keep your rights registered if you get in a bad place like someone selling/copying images with out permission.

You can sell your copyrights buy most photographers sell the rights to yse a photo and maintail control of use and display. When I give out prints I have a sticker on the back that prohibits copying. You can give full or limited rights to use/opy or publish an image and maintain the copyright.

HTH

[Angelo]

Hi All,

I'm looking for either a forum...


You found it! Welcome to dGrin Wess :wave


Issues of copyright have been and will continue to be discussed at great length. You can find quite a few threads on the subject by doing a search. Also please check the sticky "Photog's Resources" thread at the top of the MYOB forum for links to related subject matter. :thumb

.

[Mad Cat]

First off when you shoot, you need a model release. That gives you permission to use the photo as you see fit. You can sell it, advertise with it, post it - you are getting permission to use a person - or an object's likeness.

Once you've created it you own the copyright. You should regsiter your images with the copyright office periodically so you keep your rights registered if you get in a bad place like someone selling/copying images with out permission.

You can sell your copyrights buy most photographers sell the rights to yse a photo and maintail control of use and display. When I give out prints I have a sticker on the back that prohibits copying. You can give full or limited rights to use/opy or publish an image and maintain the copyright.



HTH

Thanks for your help. Right now this is a very sensitive issue for me.....