Digital Photography, Consumer Labs, and Being too Good..Article From the SL Trib..

[mtbbrian]

I cam across this article in today's Salt Lake Tribune, about digital photography and consumer labs. Its mention copyright issues in the digital age too.
I thought I'd share it with you all.
http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_2807336

Brian

[almo]

Thanks Brian. A must read I think, for digi photogs.

[jar_e]

Very interesting, and it even mentions Wal-Mart, so I'm happy. I know at our store we've experienced very little of that, but there's alot of stuff changing right now in regards to it. Very interesting stuff,

Jared

[Asylum Steve]

Thanks for the informative article, Brian...

Convenience problems of "consumers" aside, I'm definitely encouraged that these labs are taking copyright protection so seriously. I will always prefer an educated employee erring on the side of caution to someone who doesn't know any better just printing anything for anyone.

Not to seem insensitive, but it is fairly easy to document original ownership of a digital photo image. If nothing else, the file EXIF data should match up with your camera.

Sure, a very inconvenient hoop to jump through sometimes, and certainly a system that's probably not too difficult to get around illegally if you put your mind to it, but IMO a small price to pay for having your work protected (at least to some degree).

My image discs to all my clients now include a readme file with documentation of who has reproduction rights to the images. These rights on occasion need to be fairly broad as often times many people (models, magazine staff, stylists, agency bookers, etc.) will have the need to have prints made. The readme can easily be printed and shown to any lab staff. I also include contact info so I can quickly clear up any misunderstanding if I need to.

In this new age of easy digital "pickings", I think we need to educate the general public of what is protected and exactly how far they are allowed to go in using copyrighted work.

IMO, having strict rules at commercial labs is a step in the right direction...

[Axle]

an excellent article, very informative, and will be handy when I switch to digicams or if my dad get's a better one. thanks Brian.

[ACArmstrong]

I also make sure that the EXIF data is a "good read" on all my photos before anyone gets to see them. And, when I do TFCD work, I always include a letter of copyright release that bears my signature and outlines the exact level of use for its holder.When I forgot to do this on one occassion, the local lab called me immediately and asked me to provide a letter on behalf of the person trying to print. I thanked them profusely for looking out for me.