An example of fair use

[vandergus]

You may have seen this set of photographs making its rounds on the photoblogs lately but I like that The Online Photographer makes a point to explain the fair use aspect of it. Regardless of what you think about the project's aesthetics, I think it's a good example of something that at first seems like a giant case of copyright infringement but that actually falls under fair use. We have lot's of conversations about copyrights around here and most of them seem to focus on how to keep other people from stealing our images. But I think it's good to be aware of what can be done legally with your images even it they are fully copyrighted, watermarked, etc. Just because somebody used your image without your permission, it doesn't mean they're infringing on your rights.

'Most Tourists Take Pictures from the Same Spot'

And, personally, I think it's a pretty interesting project.

[BigFuzzy]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

I think the reply by Mike below the post pretty much nails shut the copyright issue (in my mind, as I understand things).

[theosus]

Good post! Love fair use....

[graciousness]

As far as I understand it and having looked at the project (which is wow, mind blowing!), no ONE photo used from the hundreds merged in each finished photo is distinctly discernible. Fair use states that you one can use someone else's work or parts of it so long as the most distinctive part of that artwork (regardless what medium) is distinguishable on the new work it was applied on.

Now on this project, if anyone really contests her for copyright infringement,they would have to prove that their photo is clearly distinguishable on Corinne's photos.

The only thing clear to me is that this is close to impossible.