Am I allowed to do this?

[deana]

Hi,

Just wondering if I am able to take a photo of a famous person, then make it into some type of art in photoshop and then sell it? Also wondering this...I have photographed car shows and am wondering if I can use certain cars and photoshop them into artwork then sell them? One more thing..does anyone know of a website dedicated to selling art like that?

Thanks

[formula4speed]

You should consult a lawyer if you are planning on doing either of those things. That said it is my understanding that for the famous person you would need a model release, unless it is for editorial use you cannot sell pictures of anyone without a signed release. Car shows you might be able to get away with if there are no identifying things in the photo such as a liscence plate. I wouldn't consider it ethical but I don't think they'd have any way of proving it was their vehicle. Your best bet would to use a property release for the cars.

[Persian-Rice]

Basically, unless for editorial use, you need a model release from anybody you photograph, famous or not. Now the thing is, celebrities either deny you a model release or will ask for a sum of money. You won't get it for free.

But make sure you get one before you start trying to make money off someone.

[Moppie]

Depends where in the world you are.

Here in NZ you can do it, just as long as what you do is not de-faming to the person.

[Jon, The Elder]

Deana - your profile doesn't say where you are from. Members here are from all over the world. The subject you are asking about is very touchy. Basically if you are trying to make money from someone elses efforts i.e a custom car, celebrity, etc. and you gain their attention.... your photo career may be suddenly altered for the worse.

[KennyG]

I wish they would change the board parameters so that Country is a mandatory entry then we wouldn't have to second guess where users are from.

[Moppie]

I wish they would change the board parameters so that Country is a mandatory entry then we wouldn't have to second guess where users are from.

In 5 years of being able to check peoples I.P.s (on another forum) Iv come to the conclusion that people with out a location under thier name are usualy from the US, infact I would say that over 95% of them are from the US.
Its a cultural thing ;)

[Jon, The Elder]

KennyG is right on - some serious answers almost require knowledge of the poster's country of residence. It is just common courtesy to others. Some posters are too casual in their approach of questions that may have ramifications. This is why there are so many caveats attached to answers.