CD copyright printing problems?

[michellegportraits]

I recently did my niece's graduation photos and put all the images on a cd for my sister to print herself. When she took the CD to the local walmart they almost wouldn't let her print them, thinking she was illegally printing a professional's images. She explained to them that the photographer is her sister and they agreed to let her print them after making her sign a form that she wasn't violating any copyright laws.

So she called me and said if I should be putting a label on the CD or something so that when my customers buy a CD of all their images they don't run into similar problems if they try and print the pictures themselves. Since pretty much ALL my customers end up buying a CD I'd love to know if anyone has similar problems or if I'm supposed to be doing something??

[michellegportraits]

I just looked on walmart's photo lab website and it says they WILL NOT print any photos that appears to have been taken by a professional or a studio whether or not it is marked. They will ONLY print photos like that if they are presented with a Copyright Release form. All my customers have a signed contract before their shoots that states that if they buy a CD they are free to print them for personal use. Do I also need to be giving them a copyright release form WITH their CD to take with them to wherever they print?

[dave_lines]

I also give a release whenever I sell a CD stating that they can print any and all photos from it, I sign and date it, have had no problems yet.. DAve

[michellegportraits]

Thanks...I think I probably need to give the clients a release and let them know they might need to take it to print pictures at certain stores.

[SusanH1970]

You could use one of these forms from What The Duck.

[no.absolutes]

I have a form that both the client and myself sign, stating that they understand about duplication vs. copyright, etc, and that I give them permission to have prints made. I have had Wal-Mart call me twice, and almost fire one of their employees (a client), and ask for verification when they did not have a form. Its more trouble than its work. I speficially tell everyone to make sure they keep the form.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

You could use one of these forms from What The Duck.

Win. I'm partial to something more along these lines:

(apparently Sime didn't appreciate my sense of humor: my contribution can be seen here)

[theosus]

Originally Posted by michellegportraits

I just looked on walmart's photo lab website and it says they WILL NOT print any photos that appears to have been taken by a professional or a studio whether or not it is marked. They will ONLY print photos like that if they are presented with a Copyright Release form. All my customers have a signed contract before their shoots that states that if they buy a CD they are free to print them for personal use. Do I also need to be giving them a copyright release form WITH their CD to take with them to wherever they print?

I had the same issue with wal-mart. Google "walmart photo copyright release". There is a form on the walmart website in the photo section you can print out that shows you are the owner of the photos and have permission to make copies. Your customers will have to fill out the form, even if there is a contract you give them.

Or - find another store that doesnt ask questions. Our local CVS will print anything.