Permission to Copying my own photography?

I do have a question today. I am a beginner in photography and recently took some photos of my new grandbaby. I sent the photos to a local store to have them copied. When I went to pick them up they told me I couldn't have them without a release from the photographer (me). I tried to tell the young man I took the photos but he said he could tell they were not digitally enhanced photos but since they were Christmas pictures he allowed me to get them this time. I was told I needed to get a letterhead made up for future photos. I understand where he was coming from but do I need to makeup a letterhead giving myself permission to copy my photographs? Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated. Shirlene

Shirlsworld7 wrote in post #11508179
I do have question today. I am a beginner in photography and recent took some photos of my new grandbaby. I sent the photos to a local store to have them copied. When I went to pick them up they told me I couldn't have them without a release from the photographer (me). I tried to tell the young man I took the photos but he said he could tell they were not digitally enhanced photos and that Christmas pictures but I needed to get me a letterhead made up for future photos. I understand where he was coming from but do I need to makeup a letterhead giving myself permission to copy my photographs? Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated. Shirlene

I would be VERY mad, I would talk to a manager, or threaten a lawsuit, or do what he says.

This happened to me at Wal-Mart. I had a bunch (like 100) of my best photographs printed, so I could show some family and friends. I get there and they told me I had to sign a release form, saying I took those pictures, and then had to speak with the photo manager and sign some more crap. I was pretty mad that I had to go through all of that. I told them
"I'm sorry I take pictures that are good....but I won't be coming here again."

Hot Cocoa wrote in post #11508186
I would be VERY mad, I would talk to a manager, or threaten a lawsuit, or do what he says.

Really ?

neil_r wrote in post #11508220
Really ?

yeah, that is just annoying. I would find something to sue for. I hate it when people do that kind of stuff.

Hot Cocoa wrote in post #11508186
I would be VERY mad, I would talk to a manager, or threaten a lawsuit, or do what he says.

neil_r wrote in post #11508220
Really ?

My sentiments exactly. I commend these guys for insuring that no theft is taking place. It is nice to see photo printers aware of copyright laws and actively working to protect the photographers rights. Sure it's a pain when you are the photo copyright owner but imagine if it was the other way round, your photos being reproduced illegally without your knowledge or compensation.

Me too. I hate it when people won't copy my copyrighted, protected images

I guess if you put it that way....

Just sign a release and go on with your life. They're protecting... you.

People complain about others stealing their pictures.

Then people complain about stores trying to prevent copyright theft.

There's no winning, is there?!

I took some wedding pictures( My first) for my son in laws sister, WalMart told them they need a release, I had signed the CD with permission to print and my #ph # they went ahead and printed the photo's

IMHO every store should have every customer sign a form as a matter of routine stating they are the owner of the photos, instead of making an uninformed judgement of which photos are professional and which are not. The fact is even snapshots taken by someone else belong to the photographer, if you want to get technical about it.

hawkeye60 wrote in post #11508331
IMHO every store should have every customer sign a form as a matter of routine stating they are the owner of the photos, instead of making an uninformed judgement of which photos are professional and which are not. The fact is even snapshots taken by someone else belong to the photographer, if you want to get technical about it.

^^^ this!

Oh I'm not complaining about them being watchful and protecting photographers. I am more or less just asking what or how I need to make up a letterhead which is what I was told I needed... Has anyone else had to write one up and if so what should it say?

Shirlsworld7 wrote in post #11508358
Oh I'm not complaining about them being watchful and protecting photographers. I am more or less just asking what or how I need to make up a letterhead which is what I was told I needed... Has anyone else had to write one up and if so what should it say?

I think Costco has a form on their site you can download.