Photog contract question

[ringster]

Is it normal practice for the photographer''s contract to say that all of the copyrights of the photography belong to the photog and that the photog can use the pictures for displays, publication, etc? I am looking at my first photog contract and saw this.

Just wondering cause I don''t know that I want my pic just going around but if that is standard practice then I guess that is the way it is.

 

[dani13]

Yes, I think this is normal, Ringster. I am pretty sure my contract with my photographer said the same thing.

 

[ringster]

Date: 1/14/2008 8:11:15 PM
Author: Dani
Yes, I think this is normal, Ringster. I am pretty sure my contract with my photographer said the same thing.

Thanks Dani - I was like WHAT???!! when I read the small print. Thanks for letting me know!!

 

[dani13]

They do own the rights to the pics, so it they wanted to slap your wedding pics on their websites/ advertisements, etc., they just have to inform you that they are allowed to.

 

[lucy.lucy.80]

hi ringster! My contract says that too, but if you did not want them too I am sure you would be able to work that out with the studio.

 

[ringster]

Thanks lucy.lucy and dani - I''ll talk with the photog and see if there is any room for negotiation. I personally don''t mind but I think FI might not be so happy but if I can tell him that all of the photogs do it then that''s that

 

[sap483]

My contract also says the same thing.

 

[enbcfsobe]

While this is common, it can be a catch down the road if you want to make copies of your pics. There is no need to accept it just because it is in the form contract!! It is becoming increasingly common (at least where I live) for the photog to give the copyrights to the customer so that the customer has options in terms of getting prints, albums, putting them online, etc. If they own the copyrights, they can charge you for any use of the pictures. You only own the physical printed pictures they create for you -- they own the images/negatives. You can negotiate with many photogs to give you the copyright if you agree to give them a license to use the pictures for promotional purposes or for their portfolios. This gives you a lot of flexibility, especially if the pics are digital or digitized.

I had to come out of my long PS hibernation to offer this alternative perspective. Don''t let vendors bully you with form contracts. Everything is negotiable to some extent. Good luck.