If I sell a picture, can the buyer alter it?

[tomd]

Let's say I sell a picture of an object to a company who intends on using it in advertising. Are they allowed to alter the picture such as editing in Photoshop to meet their needs?

In this hypothetical situation let's say I sold the digital image without use limitations.

[liza]

Depends on your agreement with them. Many corporate clients beef up the images purchased from freelancers to meet their needs.

[tomd]

I thought so. Could they go as far as using a PS tool like a lasso and place the object in a different background? I am guessing that the answer is the same as above; it depends on the agreement.

[liza]

Yep. I don't really care what they do to it as long as they pay my fee.

[New Hobby]

Yep. I don't really care what they do to it as long as they pay my fee.

Now that would make a great sig. ;)

[liza]

Now that would make a great sig. ;)

LOL!

Keep in mind that sentiment is only for corporate clients. It's normal for them to alter a photo for brochures and other promotional materials. I would never say that about a wedding or portrait image, though, as they pay for the artistic vision. Sometimes I think the corporate clients are easier. They pay a lot more for a digital file, and I don't have to do much PP.

[Rubi Jane]

tomd...I don't know where you live but I'll assume not Canada then I can safely say I don't have a clue about laws in any other country. In Canada, a photographer has two separate rights, the copyright and moral rights. If a client hires a photographer for a shoot and through agreement they gain the copyright to the image that does not entitle them to modify the image without the photographer's consent. That consent would ideally have been acquired before the shoot, but it they decided later to change/edit/modify the image in a way that the photographer felt defamed the image or their-self, the photographer may have a case.

Moral rights can be transferred or they can be maintained by the photographer, even when copyright is transferred. The key as always, is to have a clear understanding of use and a written agreement that outlines such use.