Advice on use of photos

SportsMad

Hi, If anyone can advise me on the following situation I would be extremely grateful.

At a recent intercounty underage GAA game which was held at our local GAA pitch, I took some photos which were later displayed on our local GAA website.

It was pointed out to me a few days later that my photos were copied from the local website and were now also being used on the county GAA website. I hadn't being asked if it was ok for my photos to be used on the county website.

I enquired from the county secretary who had given permission for my photos to be used but the person didn't know and gave me a contact number to investigate further, which I haven't done as yet as the following point was raised.

While speaking with the county secretary, I was asked if I was from a newspaper (which I'm not) and if had permission to photograph the game. This is where I need some advice. Do I need permission to take photos at GAA games and to display them on our local GAA website?

Is there anything about requiring a model release form for displaying action shots from a game?

Paulw

Did you take photo from a public place or on private ground (club ground)? Did you have permission from the club to take photos?

But, aside from that, people still do not have the right to use your photos without your permission, no matter where you took them.

If the images were taken on private ground without permission, then you don't have permission to display/use the images, and hence they don't have permission to use them either.

I've never received any release forms for use of the images I've used/taken, but I've had permission to be on the grounds and take photos.

Hugh_C

might be further complicated by the fact they were underage - what age? I'm pretty picky about allowing people take pictures of my kids, especially if they're going to be published

Paulw

Their age has nothing to do with it. Minors have no more protection under the law than adults do when it comes to having their photo taken.

SportsMad

thanks both for your replies...

I did have permission from the local GAA club to be on the pitch to take photos (I normally take photos at local games for the local GAA website) but I didn't ask anyone from the two county teams if I could have permission...

The game was an under 14 game...

Paulw

If the club gave you permission, then you are well within your right to follow up on this.

Technically, you only need permission from the owners of the ground (the club). You don't actually need the permission of the teams involved. And, again, their age has nothing to do with it.

Just go to the county secretary and state that you did have permission from the club to take photos. Just remind them that they are in breach of copyright by using your images without your expressed permission.

SportsMad

thanks Paul for your advice...

and a general thanks to the boards - has guided me alot the last few months on equipment choice etc as I've being viewing without contributing...

RoryW

a couple of All Ireland final tickets in compensation from them should sort things out