How do i respond to this...hmm

[ECB]

Well this past weekend i was out shooting a local dog bbq/show.. I got done processing the pics last night, and uploaded them to my site.

Today i get this in an email from someone who saw a pic they liked on my site, that said this
Can you please email the pics of my daughter to me, I really do not feel that I should have to pay for them.

I don't even know how to respond..lol

I am not a professional. I am just a hobbyist. The purpose of me setting up my site was to have a place to host all my photos, and give people the option to buy a pic if they saw something they liked. But that just strikes me as insulting.

[Fenster]

...under the circumstances, I would just ignore the message, because all told, the lady asked in a fairly rude manner. I've had no problems in the past releasing personal work for personal use so long as they ask nicely.

A snide reply is always tempting, but just as rude and unprofessional, so don't.

[bildeb0rg]

Only one way to go really, remove them from your site and email her a new link to it. Thank her for pointing out the fact that you used the images without prmission, and promise never to shoot her kids again.

[Michael_Lambert]

If its a personal site and you are not using images such as that for resale or promoting the sales of images on your site you should just reply stating that you are sorry your images are for your own personal use and for the viewing pleasure of others that you are pleased she liked it enough to want a copy however she will have to view it through your site only.

[SlowBlink]

Wow. I agree with Mark, ignoring it is probably the best thing to do. If she really wants the photo's He/she might rethink her way of asking and come up with something less delusional. It's fun to think of the possible replies though.

[Michael_Lambert]

Just a nice simple reply, Qoute what she said and then reply "Would you like fries with that" :D

[Dermit]

Hello, B&H, I really feel I should not have to pay for any more camera gear, could you please send me a 300 f/2.8 IS? :D

[Kristy]

Being a public event, I think you are okay having photographed and displayed her daughter's images... but someone else might be able to give a better answer to this...
I have a model's release for images that are public on my site... but I dont' shoot public events... so??

Anyway, if they are okay to be posted, you can simply send her a reply along these lines... And maybe offer to remove the images
if she does not wish them to be public.

Dear Mrs. Whoever,

I happy to hear that you found some photos on the gallerly that you like.
You are welcome to purchase any image through my site at a
discounted rate of XXXX for a 4x4, etc....

You are welcome to share the images on line with family and friends,
by simply sending them a link to the gallery.

Thanks for the inquiry and again, I'm glad you're enjoying the shots.

Sincerly..... XXxXX

[cdifoto]

If you know which girl is her daughter, pull the images off your website then reply with, "I'm sorry, what photos of your daughter? Please point them out to me." :D

[poloman]

If you did not get a release to photograph her daughter you may be on tricky turf. There is so much scary crap going on regarding photos of kids.
Tell her that she will have to purchase a photo if she would like one. Express your pleasure that she likes your work. You may want to consider a water mark on all your images if you don't use one now. If you don't have a release (even though you may not legally need one), and she asks you to remove the image from your web site.....do so immediately. I use passwords on my galleries that have kids pictures on them and distribute them only to the parents via email. It makes them feel more comfortable than they might otherwise.

[ECB]

Thanks for all the suggestions..

Here is the thing.. It is a guy who sent it, and secondly he is an acquaintance of mine. He posed for the pic with his daughter.

I could care less if anyone buys my photos, but at the same time, i don't want to give my hard work away. I would rather just OWN them myself.

All the photos are watermarked btw.

[cdifoto]

Thanks for all the suggestions..

Here is the thing.. It is a guy who sent it, and secondly he is an acquaintance of mine. He posed for the pic with his daughter.

I could care less if anyone buys my photos, but at the same time, i don't want to give my hard work away. I would rather just OWN them myself.

All the photos are watermarked btw.

Well since you know him, ask him why he feels he should not have to pay for the photo(s).

You could also email him 300x200 pixel resolution watermarked versions so he can enjoy them on his computer - but can't do much else with 'em.

[archaeoman]

Ha, funny that several people assumed it was a woman..

If it was a friend, I'd send them. An acquaintance, depends on how well I knew them.

Either way, it's your camera, your time, your expense.

On the other hand, doesn't the fact that your picture is available for purchase (your intent or not) mean that legally you would need a signed release in order to sell it?

[joedlh]

I never post photos of identifiable youngsters on a public web site. If I were a parent, it would freak me out to see somebody do this with my kid's image and not ask permission.

[Rubi Jane]

Here is the thing.. It is a guy who sent it, and secondly he is an acquaintance of mine. He posed for the pic with his daughter.
Well this would've been good to know in the original post. How good of an acquaintance is he? If I shoot someone I know and they like the pics I'd either email them a high-res copy or make them a print. Then again I'm considering an 'acquaintance' to be someone I might call upon to help promote my biz, which my 'acquaintances' would/are doing for me.

I think the way he asked was quite presumptuous, however you could reply "sure I'll get you a print if you promote the images to other acquaintances and encourage them to purchase prints"

[flipstyle72]

haha...that's crazy. I too would have been speechless and not know what to say. Had she come across politely, maybe my mind would have thought of something. Sorry I can't input other than ignore her. If she's persistent, remove the pictures of her daughter from being sold and say they are still for sale to HER if she pleases.

[ECB]

I never post photos of identifiable youngsters on a public web site. If I were a parent, it would freak me out to see somebody do this with my kid's image and not ask permission.

Maybe you missed the part where i said HE POSED FOR THE PIC with the kid.. It wasn't like some creepy candid shot of a kid..lol I told him where the pic would be on my site, and that was that, and there is no objections..

The problem isn't that the pic is on the site. It is that i don't want to just give up the pic. Especially since he thinks he has it coming to him. I spent almost 2 full days going through the 500+ raw images i shot that day, and don't want to just be sending out digital copies of pics i worked hard on.

[Robert16]

+1 for Kristy's suggestion.

[archaeoman]

Maybe you missed the part where i said HE POSED FOR THE PIC with the kid.. It wasn't like some creepy candid shot of a kid..lol I told him where the pic would be on my site, and that was that, and there is no objections..

The problem isn't that the pic is on the site. It is that i don't want to just give up the pic. Especially since he thinks he has it coming to him. I spent almost 2 full days going through the 500+ raw images i shot that day, and don't want to just be sending out digital copies of pics i worked hard on.

Then leave it on your site, don't send him a copy and let it be. What's he going to do? If you are not a professional you needn't worry about your reputation taking a hit. He certainly won't go to the hassle of taking legal action.

[Jon, The Elder]

I rarly respond to these kinds of threads because so many are only offering partial info at first writing......

[ECB]

Then leave it on your site, don't send him a copy and let it be. What's he going to do? If you are not a professional you needn't worry about your reputation taking a hit. He certainly won't go to the hassle of taking legal action.

Ya.. that is likely what i will do..

I almost feel bad because.

I had planned on sending him low res/watermarked copies of the 3 pics i took of them. But when i opened that email, and saw the way he phrased that, it pissed me off..lol If he woulda phrased it better, i would have had no issue.

[photoguy6405]

Does "acquaintance" equal 'friend'? I've had friends ask for copies of pics I've taken (though not as rudely as he did) and I've been happy to give them. Sometimes I even offer without being asked. To me, that's what friends do for each other. Of course, I'm talking random and casual stuff, not necessarily full-blown weddings or formal portraits and the such.

Having said that, I can be kind of stubborn, too. If it were not a friend and merely an acquaintance, and he asked so rudely, I'd probably dig in my heels and refuse. Funny thing is, and again this is just me, I probably would've given a copy had he just not included the "you owe me" attitude.

[ironchef31]

She can right-click the photo and select Save picture as.
Low res thumbnail version

[ECB]

Does "acquaintance" equal 'friend'? I've had friends ask for copies of pics I've taken (though not as rudely as he did) and I've been happy to give them. Sometimes I even offer without being asked. To me, that's what friends do for each other. Of course, I'm talking random and casual stuff, not necessarily full-blown weddings or formal portraits and the such.

Having said that, I can be kind of stubborn, too. If it were not a friend and merely an acquaintance, and he asked so rudely, I'd probably dig in my heels and refuse. Funny thing is, and again this is just me, I probably would've given a copy had he just not included the "you owe me" attitude.

He was a decent friend, turned more of an acquaintance.

I actually was going to just send them before even being asked, but when i saw the manor in which they asked, i gotta say it is pretty offensive that i OWE it to them..lol

She can right-click the photo and select Save picture as.

No.. he cant.. but thanks..

[S.Horton]

I rarly respond to these kinds of threads because so many are only offering partial info at first writing......

I noticed that.

The stories unfold.

Now, about eating dog BBQ.......... :p;):lol:

Unless you were hired, people did not expect to pay.

Unless you were hired, they did not invite you to shoot.

If you don't allow them to download pics at no charge, they're probably going to see you as an opportunist, not as a professional.

Your call.

[cdifoto]

This is pretty much why I don't shoot organized events just for the heck of it ie without invitation or commission. I refuse to give away free pics from those events because if I did, I'd no longer be viewed as a professional but instead a pushover. Once you give something away, it becomes expected.

[archaeoman]

I noticed that.

The stories unfold.

Now, about eating dog BBQ.......... :p;):lol:

Unless you were hired, people did not expect to pay.

Unless you were hired, they did not invite you to shoot.

If you don't allow them to download pics at no charge, they're probably going to see you as an opportunist, not as a professional.

Your call.

I wouldn't see it that way at all. Anyone can go to public events and shoot photos, and not be hired to do so, America you know ;) And if they post the photos of their work and someone is interested in purchasing them they can choose, or choose not to, purchase them.

[Kristy]

I wouldn't see it that way at all. Anyone can go to public events and shoot photos, and not be hired to do so, America you know ;) And if they post the photos of their work and someone is interested in purchasing them they can choose, or choose not to, purchase them.


I was just going to say exactly this... :)

Great minds think alike...


You could meet the guy half way to save the relationship at stake... send him one low res. file with a watermark on it along with the friendly letter that I suggested previously.... Let him know that you spent 3 days working on the shots and that typically you don't work for free.. and you get paid when people order the pics from the events that you shoot... Then send him the one file as a courtesy hand of friendship... with a reminder that the others are available for purchase... and perhaps.... send him the least of your favorites as the freebie....?

[ECB]

I noticed that.

The stories unfold.

Now, about eating dog BBQ.......... :p;):lol:

Unless you were hired, people did not expect to pay.

Unless you were hired, they did not invite you to shoot. If you don't allow them to download pics at no charge, they're probably going to see you as an opportunist, not as a professional.

Your call.

A. I am in the dog community. I own dogs, and bring them to shows. I am good friends with the people who held the PUBLIC SHOW, in a PUBLIC park. I go to every one of their shows, and people love it, as they can go to my site, and see great pics of their dogs.

Expect to pay? They don't have to pay for anything..lol They can go check out my site anytime, for free. So i have to just give people my pictures and let them use them as they wish? To promote their businesses, etc?

B. Again. I was invited to shoot.. But no one needs an invitation. Almost everyone there was walking around with a camera.

C. Opportunist? I don't even want to sell my pics. LOL They are there so people can view them. Can they buy them? Sure. I feel if someone goes there, and sees a picture of their animal they like enough to buy, i will charge them a fee, and they can have it.

I said from the first post i am not a professional. I am not asking anyone to buy anything. This was a matter of principle.

[ECB]

I was just going to say exactly this... :)

Great minds think alike...


You could meet the guy half way to save the relationship at stake... send him one low res. file with a watermark on it along with the friendly letter that I suggested previously.... Let him know that you spent 3 days working on the shots and that typically you don't work for free.. and you get paid when people order the pics from the events that you shoot... Then send him the one file as a courtesy hand of friendship... with a reminder that the others are available for purchase... and perhaps.... send him the least of your favorites as the freebie....?

Pretty much what i am going to do.. Thanks for the advice..

I made it clear that i found the way he asked offensive, and that i had planned to send him some low res images before he had asked for them.

Will update with the resolution..

[flipstyle72]

Pretty much what i am going to do.. Thanks for the advice..

I made it clear that i found the way he asked offensive, and that i had planned to send him some low res images before he had asked for them.

Will update with the resolution..


in all honesty, I'm surprised they just didn't download them from the site and call it a day. I know I have computer illiterate friends who send me an email or msg on asking if I can send the a copy of the photos i have on myspace.or somewhere in which I explain the whole right click thing...or are they nicely posed shots worth large framing?

You know, since you are posthing this problem asking for POTN help, i feel it is our right to a copy of these as well.:lol:

[ECB]

You can't right click on the site.. Also the pics are pretty low res(650-800 x)
You can Prnt Scn But they are small, and watermarked.

[TerryLP]

I would suggest that you email him back and say that you are unable to release any photos without a signed model release. If he wants to sign a release for you, you might be able to work out something.

[flipstyle72]

You can't right click on the site.. Also the pics are pretty low res(650-800 x)
You can Prnt Scn But they are small, and watermarked.

oops dang, I missed that sorry.

[Welby]

And still people are refering to the person as HER :rolleyes: Do we not read all the replies these days.

[S.Horton]

A. I am in the dog community. I own dogs, and bring them to shows. I am good friends with the people who held the PUBLIC SHOW, in a PUBLIC park. I go to every one of their shows, and people love it, as they can go to my site, and see great pics of their dogs.

Expect to pay? They don't have to pay for anything..lol They can go check out my site anytime, for free. So i have to just give people my pictures and let them use them as they wish? To promote their businesses, etc?

B. Again. I was invited to shoot.. But no one needs an invitation. Almost everyone there was walking around with a camera.

C. Opportunist? I don't even want to sell my pics. LOL They are there so people can view them. Can they buy them? Sure. I feel if someone goes there, and sees a picture of their animal they like enough to buy, i will charge them a fee, and they can have it.

I said from the first post i am not a professional. I am not asking anyone to buy anything. This was a matter of principle.

We used to show as well.

I get the scene and the attitude more clearly now.

Delete the e-mail request.

They'll still think you rude for not giving it away. ;) Can't win, even if you were hired to shoot the event.

[GM_of_OLC]

lol
People are still saying "her" instead of "him."
Doesn't anybody read all the replies anymore?

[cdifoto]

And still people are refering to the person as HER :rolleyes: Do we not read all the replies these days.

...

lol
People are still saying "her" instead of "him."
Doesn't anybody read all the replies anymore?

[flipstyle72]

...


haha

[GM_of_OLC]

Ah, you see what I did there.

[Welby]

I guess not CDI :lol::lol:

[DSMITH131]

1) You said a site to sell without model release
2) Never confuse a photography forum board with a lawyer (forum board could cost you a lot more.
3) public or private property (and not all public areas are public property)

In the OP you said "I am not a professional. I am just a hobbyist. The purpose of me setting up my site was to have a place to host all my photos, and give people the option to buy a pic if they saw something they liked." Well this is public sales and with out a model release.

[andrew748]

I have an interest in this subject as i get dragged along to dog shows by my wife, i have crufts this weekend.

i take photos of everything that i find interesting and i will expect to take 700 to 1000 shots on Sunday.
Some will be kids, some will be dogs, some will be minor celebs.
I always send a Medium Res photo to the owner or parent and they are always very grateful for that and grant me permission to share the photos on the dog website, sometimes i will do a montage in youtube.
But kids are an emotive subject, so best to play safe imo and hope that you get a positive rep that could possibly lead to paid opportunities.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/6961690-md.jpg

owner bought a copy when i cloned out the lead (thanks POTN chappies for that advice)

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/7005176-md.jpg

Parents so happy with this one that they are buying me a beer on Sunday :D

D'oh
I am never going to get professional if i accept payment in beer :)

i understand what you are saying about the guys attitude and it would rub me the wrong way but is it worth the hassle.
make a point of NOT photographing him or his kid at the next event ;)
and go and find someone who is more realistic about what we do.

good luck with it

[jb_browneyes]

How about "I had already planned to send you the pics, but after uploading to my website the computer crashed and I no longer have the non watermarked originals"

[Tee Why]

If it was me, I'd delete the e-mail, go on with life and not waste anymore time on it.

[saturnin]

you need to send her an email with this link

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU



...............................RR biaaaaaaaaaaa! :D

[I Simonius]

I said from the first post i am not a professional. I am not asking anyone to buy anything. This was a matter of principle.

Interesting that you are standing on a matter of principle and he feels he is too ( OH sorry it's a 'SHE' now isn't it?:lol:)

So his attitude pissed you off, and by the looks of it your attitude (asking for a fee) pissed him off.

So.. you're both pissed off at each other. My suggestion is to give him a call and arrange to meet as you know him, and then kick him in the nuts. It'll make you feel a whole lot better and give your mates a laugh;)

only joking!

I think you have to decide whether you are a Pro or not. You're sitting on the fence in that you do make money, you hope to make money, but you're not committed. No wonder he's confused about why he should pay, because you are.

How can you turn this into something positive for both of you?

Give him the pics, graciously. Tell him you don't normally do this but as it's him, an old friend etc you're happy to make an exception but to make sure anyone he tells anyone he know s that they will have to pay your usual rates.(Does parents get school photos free? Mention that to him in passing e'g' it's cheaper and better than...) Point out you hope to make money doing this in future and would he mind making a comment on your website about what a great photog you are etc. Ask if he'd like an enlargement and Offer to do him an enlargement for a 'reduced' fee ( as he's a freind an all) so he starts to get the idea that you have to pay for photography

I..e he gets his pics, you get great referrals and maybe even a testimonial to put on your site- everyone's happy right? Then when that's all sorted out, give him a good kick in the nuts.:lol:

If on the other hand he wants you to remove the pics of his kids and to destroy the files, do it immediately and apologise and say you didn't realise it would offend






In the OP you said "I am not a professional. I am just a hobbyist. The purpose of me setting up my site was to have a place to host all my photos, and give people the option to buy a pic if they saw something they liked." Well this is public sales and with out a model release.

the OP needs to think hard about that!;):D

you need to send her an email with this link

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU



...............................RR biaaaaaaaaaaa! :D
ROTFL!:lol:

[robgr85]

You do not need her permision for publishing Your photos on Your private site. You are not selling them to any advert agencies or so, so You do not have to worry. You could even sell photos with her daughter on Editorial license, and she could do nothing about.


If its a personal site and you are not using images such as that for resale or promoting the sales of images on your site you should just reply stating that you are sorry your images are for your own personal use and for the viewing pleasure of others that you are pleased she liked it enough to want a copy however she will have to view it through your site only.


QFT


Just a nice simple reply, Qoute what she said and then reply "Would you like fries with that


that's really good response to that mail :)


http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU


even better :)

[PiRho]

You do not need her permision for publishing Your photos on Your private site.

"Her" who is this? the child from the photo? i got the impression that the child wasn't old enough to sign the release.

Do we not read all the replies these days.

LOL so true