Showing images on website/FB

angeleyes

Can I ask for some clarification on this issue as I see lots of photographers posting their images on Facebook and on their websites. Of course this is a good way to showcase their work.

However, if posting images shot at a wedding, or a studio shoot do you need the client's permission to post the image of them that you as the photographer have taken on your website and/or FB? and would you need them to sign a model release form?

Or as the image taken by you is your property and is yours to do with as you wish?

tororosso

angeleyes wrote: »

Can I ask for some clarification on this issue as I see lots of photographers posting their images on Facebook and on their websites. Of course this is a good way to showcase their work.

However, if posting images shot at a wedding, or a studio shoot do you need the client's permission to post the image of them that you as the photographer have taken on your website and/or FB? and would you need them to sign a model release form?

Or as the image taken by you is your property and is yours to do with as you wish?

You would only need a model release in the case of the photo being used for commercial purposes such as advertising etc. The photographer owns the copyright to any photo he/she has taken unless signed away in some form or other. Discretion and common sense is normally implemented in these cases but the terms and conditions that Facebook has on their site regarding photos posted adds an extra issue as well.

Corkbah

angeleyes wrote: »

Can I ask for some clarification on this issue as I see lots of photographers posting their images on Facebook and on their websites. Of course this is a good way to showcase their work.

However, if posting images shot at a wedding, or a studio shoot do you need the client's permission to post the image of them that you as the photographer have taken on your website and/or FB? and would you need them to sign a model release form?

Or as the image taken by you is your property and is yours to do with as you wish?

all depends on what is in the contract between the photographer and his/her clients.....if no contract normal law exists which states that images with clearly identifiable people cannot be used for commercial purposes (i.e.. advertising) - but can be used for editorial usage..... there is a grey area as regards to usage for display (studio window/website or indeed facebook page), some argue that its not commercial while others maintain that its a commercial display advertising the photographers portfolio....its an area that it not challenged legally that I know of ....but give it a few months/years and I'm sure someone will have the money (and stubbornness) to challenge/sue some photographer - if successful they could change the law - if unsuccessful they will have a high legal bill.

at the moment - if your images are on public display - you can ask politely if the photographer will remove them (there is no obligation), if not..... you can risk your chances in court.

Personally I think there are a lot of new photographers who do not know what they are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do with images after they take them - and a lot of clients who do not understand copyright law, I've seen PR companies put images up on Facebook only to get a strongly worded email from the photographer explaining they have no right to do it and if they didn't remove and pay legal action would be taken - fortunately the photographer was not worried about burning bridges with the PR company as would be the case normally.

angeleyes

Thanks guys for those replies.