Permission from a Photographer?

[Bunny Moreno]

Okay so for my first pinup photo shoot the photographer gave me all my pictures via a site. She didnt put her name on the photos as most photographers do. Does that still mean I have to ask her if I can use my pictures somewhere like my blog or elsewhere? Do I still have to get permission or do I own these pictures?

 

Thanks in advance! PinupMama xox

[Giovanna]

This is a good question, I'm kind of in the same situation. My photographer sold all of my photos to me, including unedited, with, and without her name on the images. I've ran into several magazines that require my photographer to sing a release form when submitting photos. So, I thought it would be in my best interest to have a contract signed by my photographer stating that she sold my images to me with unlimited use for both personal and business purposes including all copy rights and rights to edit the images if I choose to. Of course there's a lot more to the contract, but that just gives you an idea of what I did. I haven't tried to submit any of the pics using the contract yet, but when I read some of the photographer release forms there is verbiage that states "photographer or authorized/legal representative, and sometimes Holder". I feel like I would be safe with using my contract if needed; however, I've been wondering how this would work myself.

[Bunny Moreno]

I hear you hun-hopefully one of the photographers responses to this post bc we both have some good and imp questions!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

This is something you should work out before you take pictures, to make sure you know the terms. Every photographer is different, so you really need to ask the ones who took your photos. However, a good rule of thumb is if you payed for the photos, they are yours. I know a lot of photographers who don't give out unedited photos because they don't want crappy pictures all over the net. Of course, a good model doesn't want them out there either.Giovanna has a good idea, if you show up with your own contract, that is good for both parties, you can cover everything up front.

 

If you plan on sending a photo to a website or magazine, they will usually ask for a release. Send it to the photographer, and at the same time ask if you can have a hi-res, water marked copy. This is especially important for print. The last thing you want is a crappy pixelated photo appearing in a magazine. 

[JBL Photography]

Short answer...yes, you always need permission.

Besides it's just polite.

[Bunny Moreno]

Gotcha! Thank you everyone!

[SnapShotNinja]

Always ask and always give them credit :) most photographer's won't give you an issue as long as you aren't rude.

In the future, make sure you come to your shoot prepared-ask them beforehand what the agreement is and ALWAYS have a written contract. :)

[Bunny Moreno]

Its wasnt a traditional photo shoot-its a pinup makeover experience. But I will make sure I have a written contract everytime-thank you!!!! :)

[Giovanna]

Thank you for posting this question and thank you everyone for taking the time to answer, this has been very helpful indeed.

PinupMama said:

Its wasnt a traditional photo shoot-its a pinup makeover experience. But I will make sure I have a written contract everytime-thank you!!!! :)

[Bunny Moreno]

I agree-thank you again to everyone who replied. Oh and Giovanna-I emailed her and told her about my blog and everything so now I know better LOL Hope everything works out for you as well-hugs!

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

If they are in web resolution and sized for computer use, you can post them. You do not own the images unless you have a signed copyright release from the photographer.

[Rich Newnham Photography]

Just a note (and please correct me if I misunderstand US copyright, but I believe this is the same!), a licence to use the photos for your own purpose is not the same as owning the copyright. Most photographers will only provide a licence for you to use the photos personally (i.e. for portfolios, your website/facebook, etc), so you should check your contract or with the photographer when looking to submit photos for magazines/commercial work etc.

[Shirley Rowe{★}]

that is correct. You can get a release to use them or print them. Photog always owns unless otherwise stated,