Copyright vs. Print Release
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2012
·
There is a huge difference between a copyright release vs. a print release. How do you know which one to release to your clients, and why have I chosen the release that I give?
As technology in today's world continues to grow and increase in popularity, so does the popularity of a disc of digital negatives from a photo session. Most people request a disc of digital negatives from their session as they hope to easily share their captured memories with family and friends via Facebook and other social networking sites along with the freedom to print their images as they please.
I hope, through this post, to help my clients understand why I have chosen to give print rights only with their session's digital negatives, rather than my copyrights.
First things first, what is the deal with copyrights and print releases anyway?
Copyright release- This releases the copyright from the photographers possession all together. The photographer no longer owns the photos and technically does not have the right to use the photos without a signed model release from the clients because the client now owns the photos.
Handing out a copyright release would be pointless for us photographers! We use "our" photos for marketing and portfolio purposes, but yet, without the copyright we can't even do that!
Print release- This releases the client to print their photos at home with permission of the photographer. Now, going back to my "
Choosing your print quality" post, I cannot guarantee a good quality print from home, like I could from "my" printing lab. However for making a fun scrapbook or for sharing via social networking sites, a print release is PERFECT for my clients as well as myself, the photographer!
Let's talk about the advantages here...
A Client's Advantages:
- Allows you to unlimitedly print your photos from home
- You may use the digital files as you please {unless otherwise stated by your photographer}
- Social network sharing
- Digital files to keep forever
A Photographer's Advantages:
- Protects your artwork as your own
- Prevents from others using your photos without permission
- Prevents your client from violating the copyright of your photos (i.e. prevents client from editing or changing your picture in any way) while still giving them the option to print the photos themselves!
Clients: it is your responsibility to be respectful of your photographer. You chose the photographer that you have hired because you like their work and the quality of their work. It is important that you respect the protection of your photographer and their work. Please do not take advantage of your print release.
One thing that most pleases a photographer other than capturing your special memories, is when someone chooses to show respect for the photographer and his/her artwork.
I am so grateful to my clients who have always shown great respect for me and my work. Not only does it prove to me that they hired me because they fell in love with my work, but it also proves that they have a respect for the memories that were captured through my lens.
Xoxo,
Megan
Post a Comment