Is verbal permission enough?
Posted on: Fri, 03/26/2010 - 12:31
Is verbal permission enough?
I recently went to photograph Weston Super Mare Recruitment day held by the Pier owners at the Wintergardens as part of a project I am working on documenting the rebuilding of the pier.
The event was open to the public
On the day, I asked permission from 3 different people involved in organisisng the event . All 3 said yes without hesitation. The owners have now seen the photos on my website and told me to remove them because I didnt have their written permission. I have done so to avoid any confrontation but I would like to know where I stand on this.
Thank you
Pricing is not really within the remit of this website.
I suggest you use references such as the NUJ Freelance rates page or the Alamy stock price calculator as a guide, depending on usage. Alternatively pitch around 50-65% of what you would have charged had you been commissioned.
Photorights admin
Depends on what the proposed use is. Find editorial rates from the NUJ by Googling "NUJ Fees" but even established professionals are now having difficulty keeping rates at those levels.
You can also price usage on most stock library sites.
Dear Admin
I have had an enquiry from someone who may want to use some of the photographs of Weston Pier. Are you able to advise on a charging system?
With Thanks
Jenny
Thanks very much for the advice and support, I appreciate it. I will approach the owners again with the information you've given me. I'll let you know what happens.
Although I completely understand that you wish to avoid confrontation, unfortunately it the pier owner who is mistaken about their rights here. An awful lot of landowners award themselves imaginary rights like this, sometimes thinking they own copyright or can compel photographers to delete photos they would prefer had not been taken.
If you can, try and diplomatiically educate them and get them onside. Point out it's PR for which they would ordinarily have to pay. Offer them a print or two, or a caption on your site that acknowledges their cooperation. Try and find out what the problem is that they have with photography. But please don't give in to bullying because they'll just carry on thinking they have rights they do not, and photographers do not, when in fact we do.
Photorights admin
Thank you very much - that's helpful.
The trouble here is that the event organisers seem not to have had any authority to grant permission on behalf of the pier owner. But having said that, if you had permission to be on the property you may assume permission to photograph unless there is a sign prohibiting photography, or a term of admission on a ticket forbidding it, or unless a representative of the landowner tells you not to photograph at the time. If none apply it is too late now for them to prohibit your photography as a trespass; it only becomes a trespass once you have been notified and continue to take photos regardless.
They have no authority over what you may do with your photos, which are your copyright material regardless of whether or not you had permission.
Photorights admin
Post new comment