Do I own the rights to my proofs? Debi's recent engagement pic, local photographer said no, but there are photographers who say yes. Mary MOB
madseason
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
thats a good question....i think you dont bc they can use themto advertise, maybe make another proofs album as a sample - or to advertise their services on a website - or place pictures around the office.
I would kind of be flattered (but really people would be saying look at that ugly girl!)
PreshusSmurf
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
To the best of my knowledge ....
Copyright belongs to the photographer as long as the photographer does not sign anything relinquishing those rights. It does not matter that you, or your daughter, are the subject of the image --- photography is considered art, and therefore, the person who created the art is the one who owns the rights to it.
If you want to reproduce any of the photos, your best bet is to ask the photographer to sign something giving you the right to use the photographs.
Especially if you want something printed -- like save the date magnets, wedding invitations, etc. -- most reputable printing companies will not work with a professional image unless the photographer signs over permission.
Its a very simple form for them to sign, they may even have one on hand.
Lucky0510
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
my photographers contract says it right in it... she owns the rights and the pics are for my personal use only. So basically I can't use them for anything commercial. Which I don't have a problem with... what would I really use them commercially for? I would love to think shes gonna use them to advertise. It would make me feel beautiful
TattooAnkh
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
I would check your daughter's photography contract. A lot of photographers require you to buy rights to the images, and even then only after a certain period of time. Some of them never give you the rights to the images. I'm not sure (so don't quote me on this!), but I believe they own the rights unless otherwise specified.
Part of the reason I went with the photographer I chose is because they told me right off the bat that they and I would share all rights to the images as needed. I could do with them what I want, and he could do with them what he wants, which I think is totally fair.
PegaLega
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
Correct, you do not OWN the rights to your photos your photographer does unless they sign off on it after the wedding. They actually will sign a document giving you the copyright to your picture. Basically all this means is that they are able to use the photos from commercial use and their name is still attached.
Otherwise,the more important question is whether or not the proofs are watermarked...mine are not and I can still use them for whatever I want. No water mark, granted i give my photographer 10000% credit for the photos. That is what I would ask first, also if you get the images on a disc and if they are hi-res and printable-this is more important then owning the rights
PegaLega
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
Posted by Lucky0510
my photographers contract says it right in it... she owns the rights and the pics are for my personal use only. So basically I can't use them for anything commercial. Which I don't have a problem with... what would I really use them commercially for? I would love to think shes gonna use them to advertise. It would make me feel beautiful
Commercial means, the photo cards, websites, photo contests, etc.
LoriBeth2728
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
my photog said we'd have the rights. but it varies!
Jamnike
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
it should be in your contract. If they release them to you on a disc, then you do. Some places wont release, other will
PegaLega
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Re: A question to ask photographer.
All owning the rights does is allow you to use them for commercial or public use, that is it. If you dont own the rights it isnt a huge deal as long as your proofs or images on the disc are not watermarked.
If your photographer does NOT sign off on your owning the rights you do not own them, which still gives them the option of using them. If you own the rights they have to ask YOU to use their images.