I’m always intrigued with a discussion of copyright issues, especially as the topic relates to photography within the digital realm (blogs, websites, flickr, MySpace, etc). Along with my work for clients (wedding and lifestyle photography), I also sell stock and fine art images (and have been compensated fairly). However, I’ve also had these images “stolen” (via digital channels) and used without compensation.
Some in the industry say this is a risk of having an online portfolio (i.e., just part of doing business in this day and age)…and others have even claimed that I should be proud that my images were chosen to be “borrowed” (citing the creative commons model, etc.). The conversation is interesting, and I’ve heard compelling arguments on both sides (for the record I hold the opinion that photography should only be used with full permission of the copyright owner/photographer and/or legally licensed).
I especially dig Robert Haggart’s eloquence on the subject…”I think it’s cool that people want to create material and give it away because that’s exactly the value of the material they’re creating.”…”High quality photography is still very expensive.”
His recent blog post is worth checking out.
Great message we totally agree with you. We have had trouble in the past where past customers gave permission to let a venue use there photo’s with out our permission and not asking us. I wish everyone new about copyright laws. Again a great message! Have a great new year
Interesting thoughts. With the democratization of photography, it’s certainly true anyone can take their own photographs. Why then come to us, the professionals? We must be offering something not readily available, or we would lose our market. If we are, then it’s got to be worth paying for. I know my clients would freak right out if they knew how expensive it is to run a photography biz, and how much work goes into the taking and editing and designing and printing of their custom work. They would likely insist we charge more.