Walmart won't release photos !!??

My son and his wife finally talked me into taking some shots of them and my grandchild over at the college... Sara loaded them to Walmart over the Internet, and when she went to pick them up, they stated that they needed a "Copyright Release" from the photographer. She stated that it was her father in law, and he's not a professional photographer - they're just family pic's .......... still wouldn't release them to her, stating they "Looked" professional, and insisted on a written release...

I told her to give me the money and I'd go over and meet with the Manager and pick up their pictures ........... I can see the realistic need to protect themselves, and provide for the rights of professional photographers, but .......... "Looking" professional is totaly subjective, and their refusal to release is just wrong ..... and they'll hear it.

r

Don't forget to wear your bib overalls with one pant leg in your boot and one out!

MT Stringer wrote in post #13581927
Don't forget to wear your bib overalls with one pant leg in your boot and one out!

No way, you'll fit in with that garb. Walmart requires you wear a leopard leotard with shoes that sparkle.

I'll bet they see a custom EXIF field filled in by the camera which displays the photographers name or a (C).

S.Horton wrote in post #13582029
I'll bet they see a custom EXIF field filled in by the camera which displays the photographers name or a (C).

Not sure I get your point - If my name is on the EXIF data, it's the same last name as my Son and D-in-law's name - the ones who are paying for and picking up the pictures! Do "Families" now need "forms" to get their pictures printed ??

They all do, walgreens and cvs. They'd rather be on the safe side than risk being a part of copyright infringement.

Pick your battles.

Personally I am pleased to see even places like Walmart and Walgreens taking such steps. I'd rather provide a simple release form, at least they're not turning their head the other way to people copying yours and my work.

I've had similar situations with things I've shot for friends, a very simply release form was all that was required. I've even gone thru the same conversation once getting a quick print made for myself.

And trust me, 99.9% of the people who work in those places wouldn't know EXIF data if it fell from the sky onto their heads.

I'd stop by to thank them instead of giving them grief.

Consider yourself fortunate that they actually view your work as being on a "pro" level. Hardly a bad thing when a company actually tries to protect your rights. A thank you is far more appropriate in this case than chewing someone a new ______ (enter euphemism of your choice).

ottor wrote in post #13582105
Not sure I get your point - If my name is on the EXIF data, it's the same last name as my Son and D-in-law's name - the ones who are paying for and picking up the pictures! Do "Families" now need "forms" to get their pictures printed ??

They're surely automated. In that system, I could see rules detecting the use of custom EXIF fields combined with certain settings which would give a clue that the photo was done by a pro. Walmart is doing he right thing there.

I've run into this more and more which I actually take as a compliment and can appreciate why the do this. I've started giving family and friends a simple release form to avoid issues such as this.

I've got a release form on my desktop that I automatically include with orders. Got stuck on one order that was rush for a show, decided to miss that run around if possible.

I am not sure what the problem is here. You took photos that they consider to be professional and to protect themselves and the photographer. As someone stated take it as a compliment and be happy that someone out there is policing folks stealing images.

D::

And never ever buy a used camera or body - WITHOUT resetting and changing the EXIF info to YOUR NAME!! LOL!!

Hillbille

Agree with those who say goodon Walmart! Lesson learned...if you give cd's, incl a release...