A few facts about photographs and copyright.

Firstly let me begin by saying I am within no means an expert in copyright laws however I am very knowledgeable on the subject from my time working for the Performing Rights Society, although that knowledge was predominantly music related it did also include image copyright for singles, album and ep covers.

Since then I had my experience running Stageside Photography and learned much more in regards to image theft and copyright laws.

I have been the victim of copyright theft on several occasions, people take the image from either here on my blog or Facebook or perhaps one of the photograph hosting sites I have used in the past under the impression "it’s online I can use it".

Myth 1: If a photo is posted online then anyone can download it or share and use it for their website.

Fact 1: NO! A photograph is not free to use even if it is posted on social media the copyright remains with the person who took the photograph and permission should be sought.

Myth 2: it’s my camera if someone else takes a pic on it I own the copyright

Fact 2: NO! Whoever presses the button on the camera owns the copyright of the image taken at that particular point

Myth 3: if someone takes a picture of me they cannot use it without my permission

Fact 2:  this actually depends on certain factors, if for e.g. the photo was taken with your permission on private property and a model release form is signed the photographer has the right to sell, modify or use the image as they see fit, often a verbal agreement is enough to ensure this. If an image of you is taken in a public place then the photographer has every right to use that image as they see fit also, the only time you can contest this is if the photograph was taken on private property without your permission and an agreement in place, NB: pubs, clubs and venues similar all class as public places.

Myth 4: if someone takes a photograph of me I own the copyright

Fact 4: as with fact 2 whoever took the image owns copyright

Myth 5: if a picture has a watermark on it I can just crop it off and use it

Fact 5: NO the watermark is there for a reason to prevent people stealing images.

Myth 6: anyone can take a photograph so why pay for it

fact: in this day and age yes anyone can take a photograph however it takes skill, dedication and knowledge of your camera learned and processed over many years to produce a great image this is what you are paying for as well as equipment, insurance etc. even photographers have to eat so it also pays their wages and bills.

In short before you right click and save or share a picture you like ask yourself, do you have permission to do so? Would the photographer allow you to use the picture? Can you afford to use that picture? Most photographers will pursue a copyright case to the courts and they almost always win so for the sake of a few £'s or $'s and an email to ask permission you could save thousands in court costs and damages