Sunday, May 9, 2010

Printing Rights vs Copyrights

As a photographer, I'm often asked if I provide a copyright release.  My answer is "No, I provide a printing release".  So, what is the difference and what does it mean to you, the customer?

A printing release gives you  permission to reproduce  the images for personal use.   With our business (and I can only speak for ours)  we provide an 'unlimited release' which means you can print and give away as many photos as you like to family and friends for as long as you desire.  You cam also use the images on Facebook, MySpace, blogs, etc without seeking permission prior to use.

The one restriction placed on the DVD's is that the images can not be used for commercial gain.  Meaning they can not be entered into a photography contest, sell the images to magazines, or sold as stock photos, etc. 

This hasn't been a problem for our customers.  What they want is the right to print and use their photographs for their personal use.  What do we get from this?  We get to keep the ability to use your photographs to advertise our business.  We can use the images on our website, our blog, brochures, etc.

Think of an image like you would another form of art. like you think of a song. A radio station has the right to play the song but only the artist has the right to sell the song 

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