Release form for my own pictures?

[cjdavia]

The holidays are coming up quickly, so last weekend I decided to take some photos of my daughter (and dog) in front of the Christmas tree.

Walgreens had a sale (only 15 cents per print) so I figured I'd get 100 copies to slip into my holiday cards. When I went to pick up my prints, the staff at Walgreens would not give them to me! They said that I need a release form for the prints and a business card stating that I am a professional photographer!

I'm a freaking software engineer, not a professional photographer.. Yes I did use a studio light, but come on already! I even brought in my memory card and showed the manager my original 150 raw images and they still did not believe me!

The manager said, 'See the sparkle in her eyes -- you had these done at sears and are making illegal copies'. I told her that the sparkle is called a catch light, sears does not let dogs into their building, and Sears probably does not have an oriental rug and a fireplace with a protective baby-gate in front of it.... but she did not believe me.

After a long and very loud argument ('tis the season, I suppose), I finally got my prints. However, the manager said that I'll need a release form if I ever want to get them to reproduce my prints again. WTF? I'm debating never going there again, but they are so convenient, just a block away.

Does anyone know where can I get a standard release form? Is this a normal procedure, or is someone busting my chops?

Thanks,
Chris

[Armywife]

LOL, i would take that as a compliment to your work!!!

You might just need to bark up the right tree, cause it will be really really silly to give them a release from yourself!!! How frustrating....

[Just Be]

Use Mpix.com. or Ritz.com :cool:

[Tixeon]

That's really hilarious Chris. You really have to laugh at the stupidity. What I would do is use my word processor & make up a letterhead with the heading of something like "Photos by Chris" followed by your address & phone #. then in the body state that you certify that the photos you present to Walgreens are created by you. You can also print up a few business cards on an inkjet printer. Using the above suggested title does not state that you are or are not a pro photog. but is usually quite sufficient in these cases.

Good luck...

[Tixeon]

As an afterthought, If the manager wants a special release form, then ask them to provide a copy.

[-MasterChief-]

Walmart is very notorious for this! However, its really easy to fill out a photographer's release form. They have one and you can fill it out on-site.

[cjdavia]

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Yes, I did ask them for a form, but they say I'll have to provide one myself. This seems strange to me since I'm thinking that the purpose of the form is to help them cover their butt if someone is asking for illegal copies...

I guess I'll just have to do it myself... Thanks for all of your advice!

Chris

[tomd]

LOL.
Next time bring the dog with you and tell the clerk your dog can verify who took the pictures.

[Dusty]

Just slow down a bit here......you're over reacting.
She may be right.
Think hard........did you in fact give yourself permission to reproduce the images or do you just think you did.

Get a release form from you, it's the safest way.

:rolleyes:

[Permagrin]

you know, I'm very surprised. Walgreens is terrible about printing pro's photos. I've had run-ins with them myself about someone printing my shot (I got MY OWN photo as someone else's Christmas card...printed at walgreens). So while I sympathize with you (most often you just have to show your card or exif or something to prove the photo is yours) I'm thankful that they are finally somewhere respecting the law.

Mpix.com is an excellent place to have your photos printed, no issues at all. You'll have them usually in 2 or 3 days.

[cjdavia]

Just slow down a bit here......you're over reacting.
She may be right.
Think hard........did you in fact give yourself permission to reproduce the images or do you just think you did.

Get a release form from you, it's the safest way.

:rolleyes:

Dusty, That was the funniest thing I've read in a long time, I am still laughing to myself. Thanks, I needed that..... Both of me needed that! :-)

[packpe89]

I had the same problem with Sam's today. I ussualy have things printed at my local Sams Club, who are great to work with, but I sent a cheerleading poster I had done for someone to be printed and delivered to the club for pick-up. Well, they never sent the poster, so my local club told me to order a second. I went today to pick up the others I had made and the other one I ordered twice was not there. They called, and found out they would not release it without a copywrite ok from the photographer. I do alot of business there, so they just gave me the form and faxed it for me.

I for one am glad they take these precautions, just find it amusing at times.

[wizeguy4]

I would not give my business to a store that treated me that way, a second time.

[AdrianeCale]

http://www.through-the-looking-glass-photography.com/images/yallmart.jpg (http://www.whattheduck.net)

[cory1848]

As stupid as it sounds, they are correct to ask for one. I am sure they have been sued more than once for unauthorized reproduction of images so they are covering their butts. All you have to do is print up a release (do a search for one) sign it and give it to them.

[Pyromaniac]

http://www.through-the-looking-glass-photography.com/images/yallmart.jpg (http://www.whattheduck.net)

Thats to funny. I love it.

[zagiace]

Great to see they are interested in protecting the original copyright holder. Sad they gave you the runaround but small sacrifices.
Nice compliment too...

[Tixeon]

Great to see they are interested in protecting the original copyright holder. Sad they gave you the runaround but small sacrifices.
Nice compliment too...

Not really. As cory1848 said above, they're more interested in protecting themselves. They could care less about anyone's copyright. I'm glad they're doing it though.

[amfoto1]

A great laugh at OP's expense here... Must have been frustrating.

However, I, for one, really appreciate that a store is going to those efforts to prevent copyright infringement.

They may have been over the top in your case. But, imagine how many real cases of infringement happen each and every day.

I've had people scan my prints and make their Christmas cards, tote bags, t-shirts from them.... then show them to me and brag about it as if they'd taken the photos themselves!

[capt_tast]

I always provide a release form to myself. Even if it does not include photography. I sign one everytime I drive with me. Everytime I go to the pool with me or an amusement park, I have me sign one.

It's just safer that way.

[digirebelva]

The problem with issues like that, there doesnt tend to be a middle ground..they are either going to check (hastle) everyone (at least the ones that look professional ;)) or not check at all..its the usual knee jerk reaction in business..get bit once and go the other extreme..to funny and sad:D
+1 on Mix.com