COPYRIGHT//2nd SHOOTER Issues

[Brian Mullins]

Bella - Jim has given good advice here. Per you original post though, you did it as a favor then as asking for compensation. No offense but it doesn't sound like a favor at all. Not sure why she needed a 2nd.. was she contracted for one? Personally, I would not be comfortable talking with the client as the 2nd shooter as your beef is with the primary shooter, not the client. As you have no legal relationship with the clients prior to shooting, it is most certainly causing pains with you and your friend.

For copyright, you own the images but as was said above, there was an "inferred" transfer by you agreeing to 2nd shoot for them. You definitely need a model release from the clients to use those images on your website so get that ASAP. Personally, any money you receive from the clients is not worth it. Find out if the primary was compensated to bring along a 2nd shooter and then bill her for the images if she was. If she wasn't, then consider what you did a "favor" and considering it your education fund (love that term).

[BellaAz]

All great points thanks! Lesson learned....how bout I'll stick to the don't mix biz with pleasure aka (friends)

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by BellaAz

All great points thanks! Lesson learned....how bout I'll stick to the don't mix biz with pleasure aka (friends)

I am often shoot as a second for another photographer who is also a good friend. Basically if I'm shooting for him, he gets ALL my photos and does all the edits but I get to use what I want of mine in my portfolio and he often puts my name on my photos. It doesn't matter if he pays me or not. I'm working for him, not the bride and groom so basically when the wedding is done, my job is done. We've NEVER had a problem but we always decide all the details before the wedding.

I think being friends helps us though. We make a great team, we know each other very well and never get in each others way. Also, I know what and where he's gonna be shooting so I can make sure I'm in position to get the shots he can't.