posted
We are finally putting together a company web site (more like an online portfolio), and we've been going back to some older job sites to get some photos of our work. At a few of locations security is much higher than it used to be, and I almost felt like I was doing something wrong by photographing thier building! This made me think, should I be getting some sort of release from the clients to use the photos on my site? How have other letterheads handled this situation? Especially if you made a great sign for a client who later turned out to be real PUTTZ, and the business relationship is no longer. What, if any repercussions are there to publishing these images on the web? Any experiences or suggestions would be appreciated.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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As a photographer, many times I obtain a signed Property Release (or model release) when photographing a client’s property. Since I retain the copyright on most photos I create, I want to protect myself if I wish to reuse photos in a commercial manner in the future. Reuse may include selling images as stock photos or using the image on my web site. Signed releases are generally not required for editorial uses.
My recommendation would be to call the client and inform them of your desire to shoot your sign on their building. I am sure most will agree to your request and allow you to show up at your leisure. To get the release signed is up to you, many times it is far more trouble than it is worth.
My second recommendation would be to add a line on all contracts or purchase agreements that states that you have the righ to photograph the sign once installed for your own use and reference.
My last suggestion is to try to shoot the building/sign at sunrise or sunset. Many times the best window to shoot is just before the sun rises or just after it sets.
Good luck,
Marty
[ April 02, 2003, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: Marty Engel ]
-------------------- Marty Engel Berkley, MI Hill Mountain Signworks LLC
marty@hillmountain.com 248-890-8265 Posts: 58 | From: Berkley, MI | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
this is a great question. it falls into a sort of gray area... in general, its probably best to get a signed acknowledgement to use the photos. A simple letter only needs to say:
"Mr Smith/ACME Signs is permitted to photograph the signage he/they created on our building and use those photos for his/their self-promotion purposes."
As a creator of the signs, you have the copyright on their creation. However, you didn't create the building their mounted onto or in front of, and that right belongs to the building owners and tenants. If all you're doing is shooting a picture of the sign, without seeing much of the building (ie, all you can see is the small amount of stucco around the sign) then I wouldn't worry about it. However, if your sign goes across the front of somebody's headquarters, and the building is recognizable, then you're best off with the permission.
The ONLY time i've ever heard of this being an issue is when the photo is used for a purpose other than promoting the work of the artist (the sign maker). for instance, if you take a picture of the building and the Acme Co. sign, and then photoshop in "Acme Co. Sucks!" and put that on your website, you could be in trouble.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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