I was booked as a photographer for someones event. They decided not to pay me, for their own personal reasons (Mostly because I took longer than they would have liked to get the photos to them).
I now have a bunch of photos of this person, his family, etc. which demonstrate my work as a photographer.
Am I legally allowed to show the photographs (i.e. on my website?) even though the client doesn't want me to?
He hasn't paid for them, do I own the rights?
Hope someone can help, or even better point me towards a legal website where I can find some text to support my position.
Many thanks in advanced.
Ravi
2007-03-16 23:27:25 · 3 answers · asked by Ravi Sandhu 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Hi Ravi - best advice is to seek their permission before using photos of them or anyone else on your website. Reason I say this is to draw your attention to what happened to OK Magazine which published pictures of the Michael Douglas and Catherine Zita Jones wedding without prior permission. They got sued and lost. Could happen to you! Take care.
2007-03-17 05:12:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the state. Some state laws allow you to use it so long as the person is not a public figure who makes money by their image (i.e. a movie or tv star). But other states the person could sue you for using their image for advertising or commercial gain.
Obviously this does not apply to news worthy images, or the like. So you need to check with you local state laws and see which school they fall under.
2007-03-17 05:01:37 · answer #2 · answered by strangedaze23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will hit trouble if you use them without permission, in writing, from the subjects, especially if there are any of children.
The rights do not extend to you without this permission.
2007-03-17 01:09:43 · answer #3 · answered by MANCHESTER UK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋