Wedding photograph copying questions, where can I get photocopies of my prints?

Question

We hired a professional photographer for our wedding and included in our high price was books of our proofs for ordering. My family and friends are ordering from it also...my question is since they are paying $5 per 4x6 photo can I make copies somewhere of the ones they purchase for ourselves (rather than us paying another $5 for the same picture)? Where will do this or where can I do this? Is it legal since we purchased it?

If you feel this is wrong or illegal please explain, not yell or get smart, exactly what about it is wrong? Please use details. I am curious in knowing more.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Just because the photographer spent mega bucks buying his equipment and years learning to get the shot right shouldn't stop you from stealing from him. Was it an accident that you want to copy his pictures rather than Aunt Emmas' with her disposable camera?
Professionals do professional work. They are trying to make a living just like anyone else. You knew up front the cost and the terms if he was a true professional. If it will assuage your guilt by asking for permissiion to steal on Yahoo Answers, don't complain when someone rips you off.

Answer 2

The best deal that we found was $1200 for an engagement session and 5 hours of wedding day coverage with an assistant. We also got the rights to the photos. There were no albums, prints or anything. Professional photos are so worth it. We also had an amateur photographer (a friend of the family) going around taking pictures because she wanted to. She sent us the pictures, and while they were OK, they weren't artistic at all and the colors were off. Pros can line up better shots and color correct the photos. Try to find someone who will give you the rights to the photos then you can have them printed out yourself at 1/10th of the cost.

Answer 3

Go back and read the contract that you signed with the photographer. It should state in there who owns the images.

When you hire a photographer, that photographer owns the images and holds copyright to them. Unless you have express permission to either have another place make prints or the copyright is transferred to you, you cannot even make prints.

If you want the right to make your own prints, you'll need to buy the copyright and get all the originals(digital files or negatives) from the photographer. Expect this to be expensive.

Professional photographers generally get paid a flat fee for shooting time, then make additional fees based on the package of prints you choose.

Answer 4

A photographer makes money off of the prints they sell. This is his livelihood. For you to scan and print this is illegal and is copyright infringement. He may be able to take you to court if he finds out you made copies of those photos. I charge $150 per image that was copied if I find out someone has done this to me. It's in my contracts. Ask how much he will sell his negatives for. I sell my digital negatives for $300. Yes I know they are expensive, but they will have a guarantee. I mean how would you like it if you had done some work and someone copied what you did just to save a few bucks? No photo imaging store will do this because they will be liable in a lawsuit if they do. Again Copyright Infringement.

Answer 5

It is not a matter of "feeling" that this is ilegal, it is a matter of copyright infringement and is against the law. The photographer makes his/her living from selling prints, so making copies is stealing from the photographer/artist. Please don't do it.

You can do a bit if research on line about copyright law if you are so inclined and want to learn more.

Answer 6

you would need to just scan the pictures on a home printer and use photo paper. The professional pictures are copyright. It is like stealing the pictures if another place copied it for you.

Answer 7

I use my computer printer. It is a photo quality epson all in one with the flatbed scanner. Works great!