Purchased photos scanned and put on facebook...

A couple who purchased a bunch of engagement photo's, scanned them and put them on facebook... and the scans look really crappy. I provide an online gallery so they can show friends and family the pictures. I know the bride-to-be parents very well and I think they would be understanding if I asked them to remove them. I also don't want to make anyone upset because I am doing their wedding in July. What would you do? I'm a little upset about this and not sure what to do, this is the first time this has happened.

how about you just give them some digital copies so they can have nice ones on facebook?

I don't do C.D.'s and it's they understood that in the beginning.

Then contact FB to report the pictures and get your lawyer to draw up papers for breach of contract.

SnapsbyPoteat wrote in post #10213671
I don't do C.D.'s and it's they understood that in the beginning.

You don't have to give them a CD to give them a handful of low resolution photos to post on facebook. Just tell them nicely that you appreciate that they wanted to put them on facebook but that you would prefer that they used such and such images instead, put your logo or watermark on them so that others viewing them know who took them. Win win situation really.

Lets think about this ...... if your photos are up on FB people who know and trust the couple might see them and like them which could lead to more weddings or portrait shoots wich could lead to more money and customers ..... I can see why a photographer might not want to give the couple good quality images to put up there ....

This bride wants to promote your work at no cost to you, word of mouth and referrals are the best leads and customers.

FB is here and people are going to use it you have two choices, be known as the photographer that wont work with customers and asks them to remove them..... or the photographer who is so great and his or her customers love the work so much they want to show it off to their friends ..... which one sounds better ?

Me personally I will take all the referrals and positive word of mouth I can get, it costs me nothing and it is free advertising !

Why not give them some good web sized images for their FB page what is the downside ? As opposed to crappy scanned images ?

Just my random thoughts......

Michael

^ Either that or teach them how to use their scanning equipment and other steps needed for better results.

JoeyBowman wrote in post #10213715
You don't have to give them a CD to give them a handful of low resolution photos to post on facebook. Just tell them nicely that you appreciate that they wanted to put them on facebook but that you would prefer that they used such and such images instead, put your logo or watermark on them so that others viewing them know who took them. Win win situation really.

Well I feel like I shouldn't have to do that since I had already posted several pictures on my facebook fan page, which the groom to be, shared it on his facebook profile, those were my downloads with my watermark on them and looked good quality. PLUS they have a on-line gallery with which they could put a link to on their page with all the pictures.
But I understand what you and others are saying. I just don't like giving out copies of my work, it's just hard for me to do.

If you've posted some shots to your Facebook just tag the bride & groom. If there are other shots they've posted throw those onto your FB too and tag them. Keep a watermark on them so people can identify you as the photographer.

I honestly don't understand photographers that have FB pages but won't offer low-res files to their clients to put on their FB. It's not like they can make prints from a 700 pixel wide file. Why not embrace the FB is a great way to showcase your work and permit your clients to do that. It's your business and your decision, I don't get what harm can come from it.

I always provide all my clients with a CD of web formatted images. They only run about 300-700kb in size so space isn't a big deal. I always make sure that the client knows and understands this as well. I always say "I am going to provide you with web formatted images, they are low res but look fine online. You can try and print them if you would like but you will not be happy with the results." That usually deters them from trying to print.
As for you having them on your FB exclusively, wouldn't it be best to have as much face time with as many people as possible? Just because you tagged them in your FB, that's all great but it does nothing for them when people want to look at their photos. As long as yours are properly watermarked you should be good to go.

i wouldn't care at all

or if i did i'd give em a disk of web images, watermarked with my website, lowered opacity across the middle

or whatever.

See it on FB with parents I deal with, or players...have yet to care

SnapsbyPoteat wrote in post #10213564
A couple who purchased a bunch of engagement photo's, scanned them and put them on facebook... and the scans look really crappy. I provide an online gallery so they can show friends and family the pictures. I know the bride-to-be parents very well and I think they would be understanding if I asked them to remove them. I also don't want to make anyone upset because I am doing their wedding in July. What would you do? I'm a little upset about this and not sure what to do, this is the first time this has happened.

Cry some more? They obviously wanted electronic versions, which you didn't provide... so they made their own.

I am of the opinion that you should give your customer what they want, and failing that...not be surprised when they turn to other avenues to get it.

The bought the prints, right? Asking them to take them down is going to leave them with a bad taste over what was probably an enjoyable transaction with you. Offer them the same prints in a resolution suitable for posting on their web page and watch the business roll in as they spread the word about what a stand-up photographer you are.

I would give them photos sized for facebook (720 pixels on long edge) with watermark and politely ask them to use them instead and to link to your site in the description. They can't use 720 pixel images for much else and it is free publicity. Explain that you don't feel the scanned images are representative of the work that you do.

If they give you trouble about that, explain that you hold the copyright to the images and that it is illegal to post your images without permission.

I think it is a win for you. You should be glad that they like them so much and it give you additional marketing of your work.

I think this is a great idea to do in general. Give them facebook sized photos with watermarks from the start and ask that when they post them online they link to your site.