Q: Ok to upload people photos on website?

[sugar_babygirli]

Is it alright to upload headshots & photos I've taken of clients on my website (advertising my work such as portraits, etc) to show a sample of my work, or do I have to ask them permission first? I own the copyright. :p

Now it probably is a no-no to upload photos of strangers (or children) that were taken with their permission, but I didn't say it would necessarily be on my website?

Alright, the final scenario is: What about a school play, dance, or event where I was hired as the only photographer and sold prints afterward. Is it ok to advertise those photos?

I hope my question makes sense, and thank you!


EDIT: Ok, forgot to ask. What about images of animals shot at a zoo? They are all taken in a way that doesn't show any surroundings or anything, but I know zoos have copyright issues and such, but again it's for website advertising purposes only, not to sell.

[INNflight]

Definitely get the permission of persons pictured!

You shot photos with people included, and you own the copyright, but yet for publishing of any kind you need a written permission ( = model release ) signed by the people visible!

Re. animals, often the zoo doesn't like their animals being published. If so, usually a note is made on their website. If not, you better email a PR person before getting them online.
F.

[TeeJay]

For all the zoo animals, make sure you have a get-out "claws" in the contract :lol: although try not to be too "cagey" about it!;)

Also, make sure you don't "monkey" around and "chimp" while taking them:rolleyes:

[Bruce Hamilton]

And he's not "lion"... if you don't, you may have to grin and "bear" it. ;) :p

[sugar_babygirli]

hahaha you guys are hilarious...always "HORSING" around! :lol: :lol:

Ok, so you mean to say that every photographer has to ask permisson to anyone who's photos are on their website? Such as this one: http://www.audreywoulard.com/ She actually asked all those parents to display their child's images? I wonder if she just automatically hands out model release forms at the beginning of each shoot? I never got any handed out to me in all my years of going to a studio for a portrait! :p

Also, make sure you don't "monkey" around and "chimp" while taking them :rolleyes:


....ME...CHIMP?? :twisted:

[fortinaa]

I'm sure that many studios do actually include a clause on the paperwork you sign that states the images taken can be used for promotional purposes.

As for zoos: check the website. If they have a regulation against it, it probably says images can't be used for financial gain of some sort. If you make money from that image, they want part of it. Using that image as a portfolio image seems okay to me though... as long as you aren't selling it.

[Mark_48]

Good advice already given, I'll just add a link which you may find helpful......

http://www.danheller.com/model-release.html

[Bruce Hamilton]

I wonder if she just automatically hands out model release forms at the beginning of each shoot?

In this day and age, it's almost mandatory to make them sign a release prior to the shoot, especially if you're shooting children.