Its nearing the end of the traditional wedding season here in the UK… I like so many photographers probably have loads let to shoot before the year is out but for the most part, the mad rush that is the summer is over. I am not here to talk about how to book your wedding photographer. I covered that over here: How To Book Your Wedding Photographer?
I am actually going to talk about Copyright and Rights regarding your images.
I saw on a Facebook group that I am part of a photographer offering his images ‘Copyright Free’. Wow you might think but do you REALLY know what that means? I was surprised when one of my brides asked me to give her the images for her wedding ‘copyright free’. Let me explain some things to make you understand why this kind of deal is not always the best deal for you when it comes to your wedding photography.
Copyright
This means that whom ever holds the copyright to the image has the right to say where and what happens to that image. Normally a photographer will retain that right and very rarely pass that on.
Why? Well it means that no one can edit in a way that is unflattering or use in a manner unbecoming but also means they can protect their work from misuse such as reselling etc.
‘Copyright Free’ – this effectively means NO ONE holds the rights over that image. Anyone anywhere can take that image and use it how they want. They can edit it, resell it and do anything to it without anyone telling them they cant. I strongly advise accepting images that are ‘copyright free’. Do you want your images on some dating site? a divorce advert etc No you dont. I could take your images regardless of who took them and put them where ever I want. I wouldnt as I am not a dick but I know of one friend who had a photoshoot and was given copyright free images and one of them ended up as an advert for an STD clinic. I kid not.
I generally do not hand over the copyright of my images. I dont like the idea of my artwork (photography is art to me fact) being manipulated that could be detrimental to both my clients and my own standards. I also have systems set to regularly check that no one is misusing my images. I recently found out a photographer in France was using some of images and claiming them as her own. Cue a massive invoice for Copyright Infringement and a Cease & Desist letter. She had to pay up. Whilst I was not obligated to do so, I passed some of the money onto the clients who were contained within those images. My work is my work.
I cant stop people copying my images, I can attempt to prevent it but people always find ways around it. Just because it is on the internet does not mean you can use it. Here is a friend of mine who publicly admitted to falling foul of such a thing. Sadly ignorance/lack of knowledge is not an excuse. http://www.rockalily.com/blog/blogging-and-copyright-is-your-blog-a-potential-mine-field.html
Other Rights
Often photographers will give you permissions/rights to use their images. I offer Printing Rights which means you can print the images to your hearts content but you cant alter them. Not sure why you would want to. As a photographer, I am picked because of my work and eye, editing them after me would be a waste of your money/time surely. Often the photographer will detail rights and what you can/can not do. I have complied a list of generals I have found amongst my fellow photographers:
- You can not remove my watermark in anyway.
- You can not crop. (I personally dont overly mind as Facebook can mean cropping).
- You can not edit/change colours the images. Yes that can mean even an Instagram filter.
- You can not sell the images. Want to use them in a magazine where you get paid? You really need to contact your photographer.
- Use them to promote another business. One of your wedding day suppliers loves an image and wants to use it on their site, tell them to contact your photographer. Most wont object.
I know it seems somewhat labour intensive but lets be honest its about protecting work and ultimately those of your day.
Rule of thumb
Want to do anything to the images you have other than look at them? Check that contract and what you can/can not do with them because no one wants to have to pay out on infringements. If you are unsure, get it in writing from your photographer.
I am pretty relaxed with my images but thats because I have systems in check and like to protect my clients as much as I can. Dont get caught out. That ‘copyright free’ deal may not be that awesome.
