Photography in conjunction with my employer

[WadeCourtney]

I work as a technical writer for a company that makes computer aided dispatch software for fire, police, and EMS.

I've been asked to go on a ride-a-long and take photos so our marketing department can use them. I am looking forward to doing this. and there might be more opportunities to do this in the future.

What are my rights to the photos I take, if I'm taking them on the clock? Off the clock? As common in techology companies when you sign all the papers that you sign, you also sign something that says that if I do something (patent a device, etc) that the company owns the patent, even if you do it on your own time and it is not related to your job. Now, I have never known any company to persue that, but theoretically, if I wrote a novel, then my company would have certain rights too it.

I love taking the photos for work, I just want to know what my rights are for reuse and such.

Thanks

Wade

[LeeR]

My wife is a university professor so I know full well the papers you refer to. Like you, they own her intellect and anything that comes from her during her employ is considered a partnership and the university will expect a hefty cut. In your case, however, you are being asked to do something that is not a part of your regular work and use a talent for which you were not hired. In that case I would suggest it is perfectly reasonable to negotiate some sort of remuneration BEFORE you do the work. Wait until the work is done and I promise you won't get anything but there eternal gratitude, and the last time I checked that won't even get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

[candleman]

under my employment contract (and i'm sure yours too, just read it) the company has intelectual rights to EVERYTHING you do on the clock.

[BigVinnie]

Definitely check any type of employment contract you might have. When it comes to technology most companies have pretty broad ownership rights on anything you produce. Even when off the clock.

[Jim Bryant]

Do it only on your time off and not on your employers time. Otherwise, it's know as work for hire and it starts a dangerous trend. Once you do it, the more they will ask. Explain the situation to them. That way you keep the rights and maybe get paid for it as well. You're weren't hired as a photographer, but a writer. It's not in your job description. If you want it there, ask them for a raise as well. believe me your marketing department has money set aside to hire professional freelancers. They are just trying to save a few bucks by having you do it. So, ofter to do it on your own time and ask for payment as well.

[ML Photography]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Do it only on your time off and not on your employers time. Otherwise, it's know as work for hire and it starts a dangerous trend. Once you do it, the more they will ask. Explain the situation to them. That way you keep the rights and maybe get paid for it as well. You're weren't hired as a photographer, but a writer. It's not in your job description. If you want it there, ask them for a raise as well. believe me your marketing department has money set aside to hire professional freelancers. They are just trying to save a few bucks by having you do it. So, ofter to do it on your own time and ask for payment as well.

+1

I totally agree with Jim!

Good luck!

[WadeCourtney]

Well, I don't have to worry about it now. The police department I was going to ride along with doesn't allow photography that will be used for marketing purposes.

All of the rest of the stuff I do for my employer is limited to head shots and such, which I'm trying to learn anyway, so I don't mind doing it. It adds some variety into my boring work day.

Thanks for all the advice.

W