Advertising client photos on your websites

[moviemaker]

Hi Guys,

Newbie on the forum here.

Although I have been shotting wedding photography for a number of years, I have recently setup my own website. Within the site, I have sections, such as Details, Weddings etc.

I don't have any reservations of showing photos of details, however, I do have some shots of couples which I would like to add more of, but could there be problems, if I just posted images of them on my site ?

I do have a model disclosure form which basically says that I can use their photos for publicity promotiosn etc.

Some clients haven't responded and some want to know which photo I intend to use.
Some clients even tell me which one I should use, as they didn't like the one I originally chose to advertise. I such as case I have decided to know to use the image altogether.

Do you find it difficult to use photos of clients and do you really need their permission ?

[MichelleM]

The photos are yours whether they like it or not. In most cases, model releases are most likely just a courtesy to the client.

I have a clause in my contract that acts as the model release that states that I can use any photo for promotional use - whether it be in print on the web or whatever.

You are promoting your business, not their nuptials, so you have to show the work YOU want to. It should not be up to the client.

[Padawan Dad]

My clients all sign a release that gives my creative, and advertising rights on every image.

I do like to keep my gallery minimal on my website, because I feel that people will tend to make their judgement on whether or not to hire me based on extenssive galleries. I don't want that! My website is an extenssion of my business card.

I just want to give enough to motivate people to call me and set up an appointment to see my material in person. We meet with each other to see each other personallity, and I am there for instant answers to their questions regarding my photo's.

Sorry to go off base :D

If you have them sign a release, there really is nothing more to do. If you wish to honor their requests for the pictures they want you to advertise, thats your call; but you can advertise what you like regardless of what they want, if they signed a release.

[jamiewexler]

I have exactly the opposite take from Bill - I want clients roaming for hours through lots of galleries because I want them to see my style before I meet with them. Since this is a weekend job for me, I don't want to waste anyone's time doing consults if, for instance, the client is after a Hassleblad-N-Hammerhead type shooter (not that there's anything wrong with that). The same goes for my prices - I don't want to spend lots of time showing albums and samples to clients whose photography budget is a little smaller than my starting prices. So I post my prices, knowing that more economy minded folks will look elsewhere.

As for the use of photos on the website - the photos are yours, and the model release in your contract removes even the slightest doubt as to whether you can use them - however, it's in everyone's best interest to make sure you show your clients at their best!

[tim]

What Jamie said. They're your photos, and they're a fair and reasonable use.

[dsze]

I'm with Jamie 100%. I want my clients to be WELL aware of my style and be sure that they want me, not be talked into having me. I don't like galleries online that contain so many photos that it becomes overwhelming, but I show enough to accurately represent the full range of my portrait/wedding work. ...and I keep them fairly up to date with samples from my last 2-3 weddings/sessions as well. ...same deal with my pricing. I've got nothing to hide. As far as the images being mine to show; my contract contains the modeling/advertising paragraph allowing me to do it legally. Ethically, I wouldn't post anything that I thought a couple or a parent might not appreciate. I keep them fairly small, watermarked and flash-based rather than jpgs in html.

[Padawan Dad]

I want my clients to be WELL aware of my style and be sure that they want me, not be talked into having me.

I've never talked any one into hiring me. I just feel more comfortable presenting the bulk of my work in person and giving accurate information in person. I don't have a sales pitch, I just feel my work is presented with much more quality in person then online. People can make a much better judgement by seeing your work in person, and having you available for instant feedback.

My prices are also published on the web for clients to see.

My style is well represented on my website, and gives enough information. Nothing against those who have extensive galleries. What works for one, doesn't always work for the other. I don't really view my website as a portfolio of my work, I just want it to be an extension of my business card. I like to keep things simple.

I do agree with Jamie about wasting individuals time. But people come to me because they heard about me via word of mouth and good reputation, saw one of my pictures in a reception hall, or caught me at a wedding expo. My clients very rarely "google me," or find me on the web. I find that most of my clients are not really interested in style at all. What is more important to them is the photographers personality, reputation and prices.

Wasn't really feeling picked on here, just felt I wanted to better represent what my meaning was.