WWYD (What Would You Do)?

[ohnnyj]

Hi all:

I was recently out taking some cityscape shots of San Diego and was stopped by a nice man from his car who proceeded to ask me to send him a shot remarking I probably had a better camera then he did.

I think he was visiting and did not have time to take a picture as he quickly drove off not before he had handed me a business card.

So I was thinking of simply taking one of my shots, reducing its size considerably and ensuring there is a watermark and copyright info in the exif. In the e-mail I would detail the usage of the photo as solely for non-commercial purposes.

I am by no means a professional photographer though I would like to be one in the future so I am unsure how to handle such a situation.

Thanks all for your help.

[Karl Johnston]

Don't do that, he just wants a shot of the scene. Watermarking it and copyrighting it...honestly that's a bit of a cheap move IMHO, and if your not a professional photographer what's the deal with worrying ? He's probably just a tourist, anyway, and if you don't send him the photo it will just sit on your HD without being used, unless you were planning to use it commercially.

I'd send him the original file in an e-mail, personally, let him enjoy it as you did .

[amfoto1]

I agree that the watermark isn't really all that necessary. A modest "signature" would be sufficient, and even that's optional.

Do indicate it's copyrighted in the EXIF though, include all your contact information and limit your usage license to him "for personal use only, no resale or transfer of rights other parties without express written permission of the photographer and copyright owner".

That way if it shows up on a greeting card or calendar you're covered.

I always loved the statement "That's a nice camera, I bet it makes great photos."

[ohnnyj]

Thank you both for your opinions.

I didn't want to come off as crass just never had someone ask me for a photo like this.

I guess it wasn't really a watermark, more of a signature as you said, small an in the corner blocking nothing of importance.

[smakelijk11]

I am going to err to respectfully disagree with the other two responses. If the photo is of great quality, you could consider putting a watermark on it. But I guess if you're not trying to be a professional photographer, it could be overkill. There is always the concern that someone could take your photo and then use it for their own gain.

[poloman]

He handed you a business card. What is his business?

[Mike414]

He handed you a business card. What is his business?

let me guess, the nice man was from "The National Geographic" ? :D


Mike

[vkalia]

Just send him a decent-sized image, enough for web display or a 4x6 print. Or mail him an 8x10.

It is obviously for personal use and it is a nice gesture to make.

Vandit

[iddycourt]

i reckon send him the photo for free, what would you want for yourself if you wanted a simple photo but your camera died? would you want to pay for it, or rather have someone offer to take it and email it.
and offer your photography skills for a price incase he wants another capture. could be a lead in into professional photography if you know what i mean.
if your any good, he will tell his friends.
and so on and so forth

[malorie_d]

I would just send the photo in an email with a small signature on the bottom . You never know, he might want to send you money for the shot :)

[denMAR]

I think the right thing to do is a combination of things. Let him know the photo is strictly for personal use only and that it is copyrighted. If you want to put your signature on the border of the image, that's cool too.

Now, when you send him the properly sized file (enough to at least make a desktop background, but not enough to print bigger than 4x6), tell him about yourself. Most people don't have a relationship with a photographer in their life. Also, let the person know that normally you charge for framed prints, but you don't mind sending the file for free because of his interest. Let him know you have other photos of the area, I assume you probably do. Link him to a site with fairly lower res files.

You've put your foot in the door. He may ask for a framed print of it, or maybe another photo of yours. If an event comes up, and he or someone he knows needs a photographer, he will remember your courteous professional service and likely come to you.

I know it sounds a little harsh, but it works. Plus, then you can make him realize that it wasn't just the camera. ;)