When working with a photographer, what types of rights should a model look to receive to the photographs she takes? I see it pretty useless if you are not able to use the pics that you take for the reasons that you want. Shouldn't you be able to use your photos for whatever you want as long as the photographer is given credit for the shot?
2007-11-28 11:31:23 · 3 answers · asked by hodges.mimi 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
When working with a photographer, what types of rights should a model look to receive to the photographs she takes? I see it pretty useless if you are not able to use the pics that you take for the reasons that you want. Shouldn't you be able to use your photos for whatever you want as long as the photographer is given credit for the shot? This refers to displaying or distributing the photos for the model to obtain exposure.
2007-11-28 11:47:25 · update #1
By law, a photographer owns the copyright on any image he takes. The photographer may be limited in what he can do with the images by the terms of the model release you'd need to sign.
Any rights you have to use the images will be determined by the contract you sign with the photographer.
To reiterate: unless you have an agreement to the contrary, you do NOT own the copyright of any pictures taken of you.
Further, it is HIGHLY unusual for a competent professional photographer to sign over the copyright on his/her work. You will typically only be offered usage rights. For instance, my portfolio-building models receive digital files with a release to use for personal promotion (comp cards, et al), but they are not allowed to SELL the image in any form.
2007-11-28 11:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by Evan B 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"Shouldn't you be able to use your photos for whatever you want as long as the photographer is given credit for the shot?"
No. Should that shot be sold, say for an advertising campaign, the photographer should be paid, not just given a by line.
2007-11-28 19:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by Perki88 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The photographer, as a matter of law, holds copyright to any photos he takes.
If your shooting for a portfolio build, there should be some sort of equitable WRITTEN AGREEMENT between everyone involved. That can include FULL RIGHTS to use of the photos for the model, or some LIMITED usage to the photos.
This should be agreed to PRIOR to the shoot.
2007-11-28 19:40:19 · answer #3 · answered by photoguy_ryan 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋