All web display files are watermarked. The only ones w/o watermark are the ones on my drive, and the high res ones on the disk that the b&g have in this case. So whilst about to recommend the MUA to someone, I see my image as her profile photo on Facebook... It has no watermark. No reference, credit.
To be clear I do own the copyright, as I have in writing, and was discussed, but long ago and perhaps didn't "go in" so to speak.
I can't say I have the effort to make any sort of confrontation, my issue is more with the MUA for not giving credit. But I half accept this is the way of the internet, if you put images online, they'll be passed around... (although I technically didn't put this file ON the Internet).
Contact the MUA and request that credit be given. Lots of viewers could be seeing that image daily and YOU should be getting credit for it. If she renegs, explain the horsepower to her.
I'd just tell the MUA that it would be mutually beneficial for you both if she tagged you on the photo and credited the photo to you. There really isn't a bad side to her tagging you since that will mean more traffic to her fb page.
marti.g3 wrote:
Contact the MUA and request that credit be given. Lots of viewers could be seeing that image daily and YOU should be getting credit for it. If she renegs, explain the horsepower to her.
A little complicated but... Originally, she just lifted the watermarked ones off the site, cropped them, gave no credit, and put weird captions below them. As I thought she was nice in person, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and sent her a friendly email explaining the problem and what the solution was. That was friendly, simple. I specifically sent her the requested images, watermarked.
Today, I checked back as I was considering recommending her, and I see she has removed the cropped ones from her "gallery" and used ones watermarked one (but no reference, link), but then used a few others randomly, all cropped w/o watermark, credit. Then I noticed the uncropped on on her Facebook page w/o watermark.
I sent a "to the point" email:
"Hi x,
I'd like to ask one final time: if you are to display any of the photographs I have given you for free for your business, please use watermarked samples, reference my business with a name & website, and do not crop the images.
Many thanks,
Annoyed photographer"
She sent one back asking if I could be more specific, and that she can't see where she's gone wrong. So she doesn't know how, or can't even remember where she's used the photos. Mass ignorance, perhaps, but you'd think you'd be more careful... But perhaps this is only something photographers understand? Pointless, maybe. Either way, I don't think I should have to ask someone twice...
ichiban wrote:
I'd just tell the MUA that it would be mutually beneficial for you both if she tagged you on the photo and credited the photo to you. There really isn't a bad side to her tagging you since that will mean more traffic to her fb page.
I always let them know that I really need them to remain watermarked so that they don't get pilfered by fauxtographers and websites that we wouldn't want them on.
Or.. in this case by other makeup artists.
Think about it though... how many people can actually make a living doing makeup for weddings? Not many. I'm amazed by the very few I know who actually do make it happen.
Move on, not a big deal. Just my opinion of course, but the idea that a ton of work is going to come in from a MUA's facebook page seems far-fetched. I'd rather have the good will out there than the hassle.
I can't stand people doing that.
And I'm really strickt about it.
For my photography - I edited this and this way for a reason, they're cropped a certain way for a reason etc.
Have had 3 episodes where people took a watermarked photo of my FB site, cropped it weirdly and even one change the color to BW. And not in a good way.
I think it's disrespectful.
I know you have to pick your battles but I would write her to take it down immediately.
Either use the completely original photo WITH credentials or take it down.
I saw one of my images in an album of an Uncle Bobette on FB. She claimed she was "new to FB" and she didn't know how the images got there. Well a simple check of her FB history showed that she was not new to FB, so she established herself not only as an annoying Uncle Bobber but as a liar. She eventually complied with my request. On a happier note, my images are worlds better than hers. lol
