Permission Re Your Photographs

[Ripley]

Hi, someone on DOL has kindly offered me their opinion on this before, privately, but I have now had another request to paint photos I've taken by a total stranger and was wondering if others gladly give their permission to do this? If it's someone I kind of read about on a forum who asks me permission directly, then I don't mind, but some random person, do you say yes? I don't want anything for it but should there be acknowledgement if they are selling their work? It's nice of them to ask so I just need to go back with an answer as the dog in question this time, is my own.

I'm not sure on the protocol and I'm not on any photography forums (got to fix that one soon) so any suggestions / advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[DMA]

Given the fact I do a lot of photos at local pounds, not to mention of my dogs & that of my mum's (whom I rescued for her), I would demand permission before anything I've photographed was reproduced elsewhere (unless I've send those photos to someone like Dog Rescue Newcastle).

It's not overly because I've spent a lot of money on photograph equipment, even though it's been close to $2 000 worth, but it's more so because I put a lot of effort into everything I do, for zero charge for the pounds or here at DOL, as against someone who wants to make a profit out of my hard work (& not to mention the cost of the equipment in the first place).

Edited November 18, 2009 by DMA

[Ravyk]

If they were a total stranger I would say no, particularly if they are of my own dogs as they are special to me. If they were someone I knew reasonably well online or in RL, I might consider it, but would put limits one what they do with the finished product. I would probably not allow them to profit off of paintings done from my photos, as like DMA said, I spent quite a bit on photography equipment and put a lot of time and effort into those photos.

[gundoglover]

Actually, I think that I would be flattered. I'd want to know how they plan to do the painting and where it would be displayed - wouldn't want my dogs starring in something sick or pornographic, but otherwise, I probably wouldn't have problem.

[rubiton]

YOu need more information - why do they want to paint your photo? Is it to sell? Is it for, I dunno, an art class?

To sell you can ask for a fee up front and then a percentage if it sells after that - however beforehand you can also ask if they have a website and then judge the quality of their work and if you want to have them paint your photo.

I had a well known horse artist ask about one of my photos and after seeing her work (had heard of the name) and being impressed I had no problem at all with her using one of my pics. Painting turned out really well too. However there are some artists out there that I just dont like their work and wouldn't let them paint one of my photos.

[rocco]

I get quite a few people on flickr contacting me to ask permission to draw Rocco photo's (I think he has one of those nice big round simple heads ) and I dont have a problem with it at all. I think drawing is a superb talent and love the idea that Rocco can help them with this. If they want to sell and make money from his head, Im all for it because it's hand made art. Esp if they became famous and it's Roc's head hanging in the Louvre...

Anyone can pic up a camera (not necessarily take a good photo) but not everyone can draw, so I think it's a lovely compliment when someone wants to draw my work.

[Ripley]

Thanks for everyone's input. I don't mind I guess, I just think it's rude not to ask first. I've sent an email to the person who isn't in Australia and I'll wait to hear back.

[kja]

Everyone has to make their own choices but something some may not have considered is that copyright laws apply. If someone paints or draws from your photograph they may be infringing on your copyright. Check out the Obama campaign poster infringement - it applies to normal people, too

Agreed it is totally rude not to ask first - same as downloading an image for use as wallpaper or screen savers or whatever...it's just good manners, regardless of the laws that apply.

[palomino]

I'm one of those people who ask people to use their photos for my paintings. Sometimes you just know what you're looking for but you can;t get it. I'm a totally crap photography...if I liked to paint blur I'd be right.

most of the time people are fine with it, there are some of course that want a percentage. I normally will say that this painting will be for a present for a family member or it will be exhibited, shown or be for sale.

most people that want a percentage will agree on sale of the item.

but most people are happy to let you use the painting...thank god.

It ls like horses...most people have stock horses around here. To find a Gypsy I'd have to travel 6 hours so to ask permission on the net is invaluable.

I think most of th etime it's harmless but I would say that the actual sale of the photograph (not reworked into a drawing or painting) is prohibited.

I['ll have to have a look at your photos now and helllllloo rocco

[helen]

Actually I think if they are using the photo for profit they should be paying you for it

[palomino]

ooohhh if the person's a professional I pay 20%

if just an amateur having fun either 5-10% if they want to be paid

of the total sale (unless its for the cabinets than half the total sale)

I;ve always been happy to pay because I wouldn't get the picture then...the other thing that you can do is offer a print of the picture of even a good photograph in high resolution of the end product...

[Ripley]

I'm deleting flickr soon and setting up pbase just for personal use as it's more suited to what I take photos of (wildlife and landscapes, few people, few dogs). Thanks for your input, everyone.

[Guest Tess32]

I'm deleting flickr soon and setting up pbase just for personal use as it's more suited to what I take photos of (wildlife and landscapes, few people, few dogs). Thanks for your input, everyone.

Have you considered zenfolio? It looks a little better than PBASE imo

[Ripley]

Never heard of them. I'll check it out, thanks tess. Slowly and slowly I'm sorting through stuff but am still behind. Trouble is, I know more about photo editing now, read a lot of stuff over Christmas, so I want to go back and edit older photos I took and that is going to take more time.