Watermarks

[BryanPanting]

Got a quick question that I need some help on. I shot an event over the weekend. Originally we were going to have a booth at the event, but they changed some things up at the last minute and we could not do that. So I had then stated that before the event I was just going to watermark the images from the event and people could download a small watermarked version of the file for FB or email. The people I was shooting the event for then asked me to add their watermark to the image also. At first I had both mine and theirs on there, but did not like it so decided to scrap the watermarks all together. I just posted the images to my site and they are asking me to still include their watermark on the images. I really don't feel comfortable doing this. They are my images correct? I really don't have to put their watermark on them if i don't want to? On the other hand it is a law firm I did the event for, and I am just starting out i really don't want to tick anyone off. Anyone have any advice?

[OsmosisStudios]

What was your agreement, in writing, with the organization regarding copyright?

Why did you take the watermarks off? Why wouldnt you put them back?

[BryanPanting]

There was nothing in writing for the event. I really don't like having watermarks on the images, so I decided to take them off and make the image a little smaller.

[Rentham]

I would cut my loses, put the watermarks back on, and take it as a valuable lesson why I should never, ever work without a contract.

[BryanPanting]

I would cut my loses, put the watermarks back on, and take it as a valuable lesson why I should never, ever work without a contract.

That's pretty much what I have done.

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by BryanPanting

There was nothing in writing for the event. I really don't like having watermarks on the images, so I decided to take them off and make the image a little smaller.

Not even an email? Those are just as binding.

[BryanPanting]

Not even an email? Those are just as binding.

We had some emails back and forth, but nothing formal.

This was the first time we had done anything like this, so I guess I will just be chalking it up to a learning experience. They were very happy with the images, and we are just starting out so right now I would rather people be happy with the work and get good word of mouth then have people saying negative things about us. I ended up including my watermark as well as the law firms that we did the event for, so its not all that bad I guess.