How do I prove that I AM the Photographer?

Question

I am a freelance semi-pro photographer. I recently did a wedding using a digital camera (Rebel Xt) and just got the pictures printed at Walmart. However, they wanted proof that it was not a professional picture (ie. from a studio). They asked for negatives, but since it was digital, I had no negatives. Luckily the girl believed me, but in the future how do I prove that I AM the "professional photographer" that took the pictures?
Real answers only please.

Let me explain: Most of the pics I did send away for. But I was doing this for my cousin and she was on a very limited budget. I'm sorry, but walmart gave us great prints (I had already done the editing) and taking a class will not teach me how to print pics from a DIGITAL camera - I don't have the equipment. I have taken film developing classes. I guess my main question is, if my pics look pro-quality, how do I prove their mine.

Please read the whole question before answering. Also, most photographers (of weddings and major events), from what I have read and learned do NOT develop their own pictures. Most use digital and do their own editing - which I did.

Ok one last comment to all of you bashing Walmart's quality. How do I prove to a PROFESSIONAL PRINTING PLACE that I am the photographer and that I didn't just scan in a pic I got from someone else?

Answer 1

Bring with you a signed release from your 'studio' stating that you are the photographer and that you have permission to print the images at any photo-printing location you deem appropriate. Make sure it is signed and dated (i can send you the one I give to clients if you want and you can edit the information).

Bring that in with you and show it to whoever asks. They aren't required to have the negatives (digital or film) and if provided with this licsence are therfor required to print the images as this document releases them from any liabilities.

You can also do the same thing granting another user permission to print the images. Print up one of these agreements giving your friend permission and have them take the images into Walmart and order the prints for you.

Answer 2

I completely agree with you, walmart is the way to go if you're on a budget and don't know of a professional printer.

I've had the exact same problem with walmart myself and have pretty much let it be known to everyone in their lab that I am a professional. I slam down my business card, and since my camera is digital and will only display images that were taken with the camera, I take it with me too. That way if I have any problems with some new kid working at the lab, I have 2 different ways to prove that I own the images. Usually if you show them 2 or 3 images they're happy. Walmart also has a copyright release that you can sign after you've proved you're a pro so that you won't have that problem again.

Most professional printers will believe you, but it's always good to have a business card on hand. Most people think if you paid money to have cards printed up, you're the real deal. The great thing is you can get some really cool business cards from Vistaprint.com for just the cost of shipping! Or if you're handy with a graphics program, make your own!


Hope this helps!

Answer 3

First of all, ignore the answers you've received by the smart asses who want to be condescending by defining what a 'real' professional photographer would do.

Secondly, as a professional photographer myself, I can tell you that it doesn't matter what company you use as long as you feel the prints are of the highest quality. I would recommend getting your proofs at a place like Wal-Mart or Sam's Club (my choice) and once your clients make their choices, use a professional place such as Ritz Camera. Basically, you want a place that will have the tools available for you to crop your proofs for them so they know exactly what you want done. You'll save time and money by doing it this way.

Wal-Mart is just trying to uphold the copy right act. No one is trying to question your status. If you would like to take the next step towards a professional status, join an organization such as the Photographic Society of America (just one example). As many others have also stated, business cards are very important when proving who you are, not to mention, extending your availability in a place where people often ask about local photographers. If Wal-Mart has your card laying around, they're likely to recommend you simply because your card is there! Having a work order from your clients will help, too.

Good luck and build up your portfolio with a wide range of subjects!!!

Answer 4

Hi
Strange question
They should believe You. I hear for the 1st time that a printing service wants negatives (VERY STRANGE - negatives? Everybody shoots digital now! What the think, I do not know....
But I think the best way is:
1. to show them portfolio (even any)
2. to embed (Photoshop or other software) Copyright info into the file (CS - File-Info)
3. if You have a website, give them site address etc or if not give them (produce first) a business card - if You incorporate any of the images You take to them on site or card, they must believe . You are just SHOWING it to the world!
4. And finally - write a sentence on a piece of paper on computer (include Your logo, address, contact, biz info etc):
"We...........sign that the images given by client for printing are strictly forbidden for any other use by us or third party....., and they are to be used only for ordered purposes...... The Copyright belongs only to the photographer (name) and the image will be immediately deleted after service completion..... etc....

And make them sign it - the reality is THEY should supply You with such rights protection, not to be interested whether it is Your picture or not.
You may have it given by someone fro printing - and this is also NORMAL , even in professional services.
And if You have it on Your wall, what;s the problem?
Only if You start displaying them, or worse selling to make a living, and they ARE NOT really Yours - in this case the photographer or his agency is concerned.
WHY THEM?

Answer 5

I had the problem once as well, though I think it was Walgreens. I just ended going somewhere else. The quality of the prints is not that great at either anyway.
Actually Kinko's proved to be much cheaper than any of the photo printing places, especially if you make your files so you can get a number of images onto the A4 sheet and the quality was just as good.

Answer 6

Ok. Here's the thing.

If your prints/negatives are copyrighted, they will SAY THAT THEY ARE COPYRIGHTED!

With digital prints, if there is a copyright, there will be a watermark on the the picture. If there isnt anything, then they cant give you a hard time. You shouldnt have to prove that you are the photographer. THEY have to prove that you are not and the only way to do that is for them to see the copyright symbol with someone's name next to it. They should know that.

Answer 7

Wow, your Wal-mart must be nice and have people that actually care! I can't imagine ever being questioned by people at mine (not to mention the prints are green). Anyway, as far as your question. Why don't you get on the computer and make you some business cards, and letter head and etc. that way you can show them your id and business card. You could also show them the contract you have with the bride & groom. I have never actually encountered this problem since I print nothing locally unless I do it myself.

Answer 8

there is not any such ingredient as a Photographer's id that helps you get admission to to activities you opt to take photos of. when I worked for a newspaper I had and displayed my worker id, an id issued by utilising the interior of reach sheriff's place of work and yet another issued by utilising the interior of reach college district that gave me particular get admission to to college activities. those have been given me almost everywhere on the city. even nevertheless, there have been some inner maximum activities that required a separate "press pass", the paper arranged for them and that i basically picked them up. yet each and every thing began with my working for the interior of reach newspaper.

Answer 9

You shouldn't have to prove anything, they should have a document for you to fill out that takes any liability away from them and puts it to you regardless of whether or not you are the photographer or not. I used to work in a photo lab and have done this many times with customers. How many of you pros knew about this one?

Answer 10

Depending on your camera settings, there is unique digital information imbedded with each image.

You can also get software that will imprint an invisible watermark (the best way to protect your work) at:

http://www.digimarc.com/