Is This A Common "Rule" For Photo Contests?

[ressalg]

I was just doing a search for any local photo contests and although I found one, I started to read the rules and didn't bother going past the first rule because:

1. Photos submitted to the where Things I Love About Calgary Photo Contest (hereafter known as “Contest”) become the property of Where Calgary Magazine / St. Joseph Media. By submitting a photo entry to the Contest, and in consideration of the opportunity to win Prize(s), you agree to give Where Calgary Magazine / St. Joseph Media full print and digital publication rights in perpetuity for any and all submitted photos. Should Where Calgary Magazine / St. Joseph Media use your photo in a print or digital publication, a photo credit will be given to the photographer.

Is this a fairly common trend in photo contests? To me, it comes across as a way for this magazine to obtain free "stock" photos. Just curious what others think.

The prize is a Nokia smartphone which I don't really need anyway so the only real reason to enter would be for recognition.

[candleman]

it is common.. i think most competitions run by companies do that..
they want free images from people who dont value their work.
i never submit to those..

the good contests will say something along the lines of
"photographer retains copyright"

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by candleman

it is common.. i think most competitions run by companies do that..
they want free images from people who dont value their work.
i never submit to those..

the good contests will say something along the lines of
"photographer retains copyright"

Seems to me that they're trying to prey on the "I got a picture published in a magazine!!!" mentality. I guess that some people don't realize that their photo could actually end up earning the company money... money of which they won't see one dime.

[dcclark]

This is definitely aimed at amateur shooters who want the pride of being published as a winner. If you're serious about the value of your images, I would avoid these contests.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by ressalg

Is this a fairly common trend in photo contests? To me, it comes across as a way for this magazine to obtain free "stock" photos. Just curious what others think.

Yes, it's a fairly common trend, and yes it's a way for the magazine to obtain free stock photos. Every photo submitted, not just the winners, become property of the magazine and can be used however they want. If you lose you get nothing in exchange for giving up your rights, at least with microstock you'd get a few pennies for the use of your images.

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by dcclark

This is definitely aimed at amateur shooters who want the pride of being published as a winner. If you're serious about the value of your images, I would avoid these contests.

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

Yes, it's a fairly common trend, and yes it's a way for the magazine to obtain free stock photos. Every photo submitted, not just the winners, become property of the magazine and can be used however they want. If you lose you get nothing in exchange for giving up your rights, at least with microstock you'd get a few pennies for the use of your images.

It's scarey to think how many people would actually submit photos without thinking about this. But (as has been mentioned in other threads) this is what's hurting the photography industry... people not realizing their photos might actually be worth something.