What’s Your Preference?

FlyingKiwiGirl · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 07:10 AM

Photography for me is a hobby I thoroughly enjoy, I have no desires to sell any of my work. Yet. Until lately I've never felt it was up to much anyway even though I have had people telling me I should make a business of it. Not least of all my husband who thinks I spend way too much time on it

Anyway the point of the post. For the last 6mths or so I have copyright-ed all of my shots mainly because I upload to Flickr & Facebook(not that I think that is much of a deterrent, if somebody wants it they'll screen grab it anyway) and on a few ocassions I've had people contact me asking if they can use a photo or three on their blog/website/newsletter etc which until now I haven't had a problem with. They always give me credit which is all I want. What I'm wanting to know is, what is the norm. Do you send them the photos with or without the copyright on them?

Thanks in advance.

Jim Poor · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 10:08 AM

I believe what you are trying to say is that you have been watermarking your photos. They are © from the moment you create them, so they you haven't been "copyrighting" them because you send them to flickr.

So, to answer the question I think you're asking - it depends. I put my signature & logo on most every image that leaves my machine in any form. There are occasions where I don't, but they are rare.

FlyingKiwiGirl · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 06:58 PM

Thanks Jim, you're right! Watermarking. Don't know why that didn't register in the grey matter I'm sure

I suppose I'm wondering if people expect to get a photo without a watermark if they have been Oked to use it.

andyw · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingKiwiGirl

I suppose I'm wondering if people expect to get a photo without a watermark if they have been Oked to use it.

As with many of the questions asked on here and elsewhere, the answer is, it depends.

It depends on what the usage is and how distracting a watermark may be for that usage.
My personal view:
If it is for a commercial usage then NO, watermarks should be removed. You should get credit on the web site or publication.
If it is for use on a persons personal blog and you are letting them use it for nothing then keep the watermark.
If it is an 'art' print for private display then a small unobtrusive signature or watermark is fine (bit like a signature on a painting).
portraits or wedding shots - no.

No doubt others will have different ideas but they are mine.

Oh, if you are in the US then even though copyright is automatic there is a registration process if you ever want to use the courts in the case of violations.

doctorjames · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 08:30 PM

You need to be a bit careful with uploading to facebook....

Have a careful look in the terms and conditions, with my account if I upload they then have the rights to the photographs, not me.

I only use flickr, and link to flickr in facebook

FlyingKiwiGirl · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 10:10 PM

Thanks for the reminder DrJames, I rarely use FB for my photos and I only use FB for a few family members anyway but I did forget this time and uploaded some of my airshow ones for a contact. Funnily enough I linked to my Flickr as well.

dakwegmo · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2012, 10:22 PM

You need to be careful when uploading photos to any site, and pay attention when the terms of service change. That said, as they currently stand, Facebook's Terms of Service are fairly innocuous as they pertain to copyright for photos.

Pepperino · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 02:18 PM

Indeed, from now on you have to re-read all the copyright police on every site in order not to have problems

SwissJon · #9 (**permalink**) 02-03-2012, 02:49 PM

You all might find this enlightening:

Do I retain the copyright and other legal rights to material I upload to Facebook? - Facebook Help Center | Facebook

Facebook Terms and Conditions

Quote:

Do I retain the copyright and other legal rights to material I upload to Facebook?

Yes, you retain the copyright to your content. When you upload your content, you grant us a license to use and display that content. For more information please visit our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, which contains information about intellectual property, as well as your privileges and responsibilities as a Facebook user.