birding-aus

What value a photo?

To: Cheryl Ridge <>
Subject: What value a photo?
From: Carl Clifford <>
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:09:49 +1000
Cheryl,

Too true, once you sign on the dotted line with most photo competition, the 
image is no longer yours. The competition promoters could even sell the image 
to Magnum and you would receive not a cent in payment, nor one jot of 
recognition.

Cheers,

Carl Clifford


On 24/07/2012, at 7:47, Cheryl Ridge <> wrote:

> I've been burnt by a couple of situations which has made
> me more cautious about the way in which my photography is
> used and by whom.
> 
> As far as amateurs giving their photos away and worse still -
> being ripped off - I will again mention the issue of photo
> competitions.
> 
> Beware of the fine print, the goobly gook, the legalese that 
> people might have a tendancy to skim over. You don't even have 
> to be a winner but simply an ENTRANT to be subject to some 
> pretty unfair terms and conditions or potential outcomes.
> 
> Wording varies but there is always the risk that some promoters 
> will glean the rights to your image - to use/display or even 
> onsell as they wish without your approval and without any
> obligation to offer compensation! If you are "lucky" you
> might be credited (named).
> 
> Go on, google/find some photo competition terms and conditions.
> Pretty scary stuff some of it!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- On Mon, 7/23/12, Cheryl Ridge <> wrote:
> 
>> From: Cheryl Ridge <>
>> Subject: What value a photo?
>> To: 
>> Date: Monday, July 23, 2012, 8:26 AM
>> I do 'get' that the advent of
>> digital/advanced technology
>> may have a bearing on people's attitudes and the value they
>> put (or DON'T put) on an image.
>> 
>> The link Inger Vandyke put up was very informative and
>> quite an eye opener, actually. 
>> 
>> In addition, the following blog by Mike Spinak 'spoke' to
>> me:
>> 
>> http://naturography.com/when-publishers-request-freebies/
>> 
>> After reading through various blogs and comments that
>> followed 
>> I can't help but think the request for freebie photos is
>> a  
>> fairly regular occurence.
>> 
>> If anything it has now made me a little wiser and even
>> "braver" 
>> about dealing with some of the random image requests ;-)
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --- On Sat, 7/21/12, Cheryl Ridge <>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> From: Cheryl Ridge <>
>>> Subject: What value a photo?
>>> To: 
>>> Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012, 10:47 AM
>>> Thanks to those who have chimed in.
>>> Thinking more on this...
>>> 
>>> I guess the desire/expectation and availability of 
>>> freebies goes beyond photography. Interesting reading.
>>> 
>>> But my own experiences vary from 'donating' images for
>> 
>>> educational purposes to actually getting paid for
>> images 
>>> in books or interpretive panels etc. Or sometimes
>> there
>>> might be a trade/barter arrangement. All good.
>>> 
>>> I've been thinking about the value of photos in
>> society.
>>> A world without imagery would be a pretty dull place
>> not 
>>> to mention affecting an organization’s ability to
>> market 
>>> themselves, a great bearing on advertising and sales, 
>>> education, conservation, news reporting, memories, 
>>> recording history and events.
>>> 
>>> Imagine if all photographers giving away freebies
>>> suddenly exclaimed "fair suck of the sav" and
>>> put a stop to certain things, could be interesting.
>>> 
>>> Take photo competitions as an example. Some terms and 
>>> conditions are unbelievable. Some competitions seem to
>> 
>>> be a front for an "image grab" - to stockpile eyecandy
>> to 
>>> promote their own business/market their
>> products/generate
>>> traffic/income or even distribute or onsell to others!
>>> 
>>> And really why can’t photographers stand up and be
>>> counted
>>> amongst other people who get compensated somewhat for
>> their
>>> time/effort/product? Office workers, builders, rangers,
>> 
>>> graphic designers, editors or publishers, retailers,
>>> hobbyists, craft makers, printing firms. 
>>> 
>>> Is a photographer’s time/product worth less?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> (my apologies if the formatting is a little strange!)
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --- On Fri, 7/20/12, Cheryl Ridge <>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> From: Cheryl Ridge <>
>>>> Subject: What value a photo?
>>>> To: 
>>>> Date: Friday, July 20, 2012, 11:53 AM
>>>> Hi folks
>>>> 
>>>> It can feel nice to help a project out,
>>>> especially if it is for a "good cause"
>>>> and seeing one's name in print (credit line)
>>>> can be a buzz.
>>>> 
>>>> But is there a general expectation that bird
>>>> and nature images should just be supplied
>>>> freely to whoever asks?
>>>> 
>>>> There will always be those who cheerfully
>>>> give their images away because they see
>>>> themselves as JUST an amateur or it is
>>>> JUST a hobby for them.
>>>> 
>>>> Bird and nature photography is a hobby for
>>>> me yet I do find myself thinking more about
>>>> the 'value' of an image and now take a step
>>>> back before sending off a high resolution
>>>> image to someone.
>>>> 
>>>> First I will try to establish if they
>>>> are seeking donations/freebies, their
>>>> intended audience and what they plan
>>>> to do with the finished product. Based
>>>> on their response I decide if I can
>>>> help them.
>>>> 
>>>> If necessary I take the opportunity to 
>>>> mention that photographers have their 
>>>> own expenses, time and skills associated
>>>> with the image not to mention things like
>>>> petrol/accom costs, photography permits
>>>> in some cases, wear and tear on equipment
>>>> even insurance.
>>>> 
>>>> I am hoping other bird/nature photographers
>>>> might be willing to share their experiences or 
>>>> thoughts with regard to giving away images.
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks!
>>>> 
>>>> Cheryl Ridge
>>>> 
>>> 
>> 
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