Who owns the rights to a photograph?

Question

If someone takes my picture without my knowing and then they use it for say, an ad, or anything really - can I sue them for using my image? Who owns the rights - the photographer or me?

Answer 1

The photographer owns the image unless they are working under some written agreement. They can't use your image for advertisement without your permission.

Answer 2

the famous photographer Henri-Cartier Bresson has once narrated of taking a photo of a father and a child looking outside a restaurant. He found it an exciting angle but for some small aberration, and on taking the photo, he edited out a small portion of it, to give it 'the look'. similar is the case with famous Che photo which originally contained more image than what we see now. Thius shows the aesthetic right remains with the photographer.

however, if the photo solely depends on u, that is, if you are the focus or the locus of the photo, and provided that it was not with ur permission, covert or overt, u have aright to sue.

Answer 3

you may sue only if you did not sign a "right ot use your image" at anytime with the person. If you did sign anything like that then the photographers have every right to use the picture.

Answer 4

Yes you can sue the photographer for using your photos without signing a model release form. A model release form is a contract which gives your permission to the photographer to use your photos for things such as advertisements. If the photos are just for the phototgrapher's portfolio, a model release is not required.

Answer 5

Well as far as I know, if someone publishes a photograph without your permission you have the right to sue, the photo is taken by them so if you want it you have to pay for it.

Answer 6

The photographer owns it during their life and for 50 years after. They cannot use a photograph they have taken of you to earn money unless you signed a release form.

Answer 7

I just read topic about this but it won't let me copy the link..so i suggest you google it by your own..
it says,, in every rule there is an exemption...people have limited scope of pivacy rights when they are in public places.
you might have the rights, but it is the photographer's photo,,
I would just type here the following that are permissable...\

PERMISSABLE SUBJECTS:
Despite misconception, to the contrary the ff subjects can almost always be photographed lawfully from public places.
Children, celebrities, infrastracture, residential and commercial building, criminal activities, law enforcement officers, transportation facilities e.g. airports.. public utilities.
google>> photo rights.
photos taken in restroom, dressing room. medical facilities,and inside their home, .ppl need privacy and that are not included for permissable subjects..

Answer 8

I think that if the photo is taken in a public setting your image has no rights, but in say a studio, or through your bedroom window, you definately have rights.
i doubt they need consent for photos taken in public, Do you think all the fat people want their images broadcasted on television for a segment on how obese the US has become?
I doubt anyone would sign a release for that.

Answer 9

Well to be honest...i dont know!
However i understand the media have an obligation to print/credit the photographer for images thet they release.................
In Film/Movies......all images must have a release form approval from the subject......unless it is a news item of an individual whom is proven to be linked with the copy/text content.bar under age subjects........THIS IS A VERY TRICKEY AREA......Each case requires scrutiny..
Talk to A&L GOODBODY SOLICITORS -DUBLIN
Sin E Seo!

Answer 10

You own the right to your image. They muust got you to sign a release.