Permission for website

[Toffeman]

I'm hoping to do a website sometime early in the new year (if I've built up enough for a decent portfolio) Problem is a lot of my pics are family/baby shots. Would I by law need to ask the subjects or the parents of subjects (all baby pics are of them decent) to use for the website. Fortunately I can probably trace back most if not all of the people to ask and I will do when it comes to the sensitive nature of babies but by law do I have to?

Also once the website is completed, should I put some kind of disclaimer to say all images are copyright and belong to photographer (me) Does this mean I can use the pics to add to the gallery without permission?

 

[Phil V]

In the UK having copyright generally means you're free to post your photos in your portfolio. With the slight variation of commissioned work (for which you need the permission of the customer).

Generally you'll cover it in your contract, and I always explain to customers that they wouldnt have found me if other people hadnt given permission, it's rarely an issue.

 

[Toffeman]

could you elaborate more on contract please Phil. At the moment I've just been doing mobile shoots but never any kind of contract. Can't ever remember signing anything when we've had professional pics done in the past. I'm still a little vague on the legal side

 

[boyfalldown]

could you elaborate more on contract please Phil. At the moment I've just been doing mobile shoots but never any kind of contract. Can't ever remember signing anything when we've had professional pics done in the past. I'm still a little vague on the legal side

OK - Copyright is yours at creation. When you create the work. Unless you sign it away or have created the work as part of your employment. But s85 of the copyright act say that you need permission to publish a commissioned shoot anywhere else. Most people get round this by having permission in a contract

 

[Phil V]

A photoshoot is a complex transaction, you really need a contract, without it, how do you know what you're allowing your customers to do with the images, and what they're allowing you to do?

If someone comes to you for a family portrait, and once they've got the image files the dad uses his picture for his website, his blog and a couple of trade magazine articles. Are you pleased to have your work recognised, or pee'd off because he never mentioned commercial use?

What if you want to use an image to sell for stock? or a local newspaper want to use one for a local interest story? or as above, just for your portfolio? You've clearly realised you can't just assume anything, but would the customer realise? If it was covered in the contract, it'd be simple.