Siri Stevens
*I bought it – I own it
*It’s me in the photo – of course I own it
*I want to use this puzzle on page 15 for my fourth grade class
*I really like that story – I think I’ll put it on my website
*He said it was okay, so I’m going to send it to grandma
*He gave it to me, so I can do whatever I want to with it
*The newspaper wants to do a story on me and I’m going to scan and send this photo
*That’s a great photo – I think I’ll paint it
*What a great article – I’ll just use part of it
NO, NO, NO
When you buy a photo, you own a piece of paper that’s it
It’s against the law to reproduce it in any way shape or form. Photos are copyrighted the minute they are taken. The copyright belongs to the photographer. Even if they give it to you.
Copyrights are protected by law, if the images are registered with the US Copyright Office, and infringement is discovered, an invoice triple the standard fee will be sent and if it isn’t collected, the next step is Federal Court where you can end up paying up to $150,000 …plus court costs and attorney's fees.
Always get written permission to use an image
Definitions
Official Photographer: Unless you are the “official photographer”, you can shoot but not inside the arena. Official photographers usually supply the rodeo with images to “promote” the event. Make sure you define “promote”.
Photographer dress code: anybody shooting rodeo is expected to dress in long sleeve and cowboy boots. Photographers are the only ones allowed in the arena without a cowboy hat. Baseball caps are not allowed.
PRCA Photographer: Only PRCA photographers can sell images from a PRCA rodeo
Purchase of Copyright: If you purchase copyright of an image, you are allowed to use it however you want – this is preferable if you are planning to use the image in any kind of advertising and can cost up to $700
Conclusion: Most photographers are very willing to work with you – they just ask for the respect of letting them know what you’d like to use the image for.
Not asking provokes anyone of any profession.
