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View Full Version : Question for you sports shooters

swatcop169
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 20:50
I'm the team photographer for the local professional hockey team. Tonight I was talking with the Dir. of Sales and Marketing and he wants me to start selling some action shots of the players.

Now I told him I needed signed waivers from all the players, he told me I didn't because they played for the team and basically they have no rights at this point.

So what should I do?
IndyJeff
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 21:39
Well basically he is right but, your right too. If they are playing for the team and the team is profiting off their images while they are conducting business (read palying hockey) for the team then you should be in the clear.

Now if you were selling them on the side, without team acknowledgement, then you would be liable.
Or if you sell anything that will be used in advertising for anything other than the team, get a release. Regardless of what the Sales/Marketing guy says.

Since you are the team photographer, you surely have one or two of these players. Ask them if they have any objections. Chances are they will be thrilled that someone wants to buy a picture of them.
fslshooter
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 21:58
The rules of professional baseball prohibit me from selling player photos to the public. You might want to first determine if you are bound by similar rules in professional hockey. In minor league baseball the organization can sell player photos to the public and they do not need a model release -- it's like your Dir. of Sales said. The way we do it is for the organization to sell my photos in their souvenir stand and on their website. It's legal and hassle free for me.
swatcop169
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 22:16
What they are wanting to do is this, sell the pictures at their stand where they have the rest of the stuff for sale, they take a percentage (for the woman selling) and I get the rest of the money from each photo sold.

Does that make any sense?
fslshooter
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 22:57
What they are wanting to do is this, sell the pictures at their stand where they have the rest of the stuff for sale, they take a percentage (for the woman selling) and I get the rest of the money from each photo sold.

Does that make any sense?

Yup - makes perfect sense and it's probably legal. If not, then it's more their bullet to bite then yours since they're the ones who are selling to the public.
swatcop169
24th of February 2005 (Thu), 23:28
Great makes me feel better. Thanks for your help guys.