Archive for category Photography Advice

Understanding Copyright Laws For Photographers

It’s come to my attention that several photographers do not understand copyright laws. So, with permission from Cathy Aron, executive Director of PACA (Picture Archive Council of America), I posted a link to a video on copyright education on the contributing artist page of the PhotoSpin website. Our goal is to educate not only the artists we represent, but all artists who are interested in selling stock images commercially.

Here is one tidbit of info I feel is most helpful:

As a service, PACA members have compiled a list of properties and objects that may cause problems if shown photographically. Some of the properties and objects are alleged to be covered by trademark, others by contract (i.e. the terms by which a photographer was granted access to the property). PACA does not have a position as to whether the use (either commercially or editorially) is in violation of any applicable laws, but merely advises users to seek advice from their own legal representation to determine if any additional permissions are required under the circumstances. The list is not intended to be a complete listing of all subjects, but merely ones that particular members have brought to our attention.

The Cadillac Ranch (sculpture of Pink Cadillac sticking out of the ground like Stonehenge)

Interiors of the New York Stock Exchange (ok from the street), the Pacific Exchange, the Mercantile Exchange, Commodities Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade

Rolls Royce car and logo/hood ornament

Disney’s Epcot Center and Disneyland—including any depictions of the Disney characters

The Lone Cypress tree at Pebble Beach, California

Hollywood Sign

Mystic Marine Museum

Williamsburg and its re-enactment actors/performers

Newport Mansions

Coca Cola World

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Mississippi, Delta Queen and Natchez paddle steamers

Rockefeller Center – all buildings and sculptures

Olympic Athletes, Logo and torch

Hollywood Walk of Stars, Chinese Theater

Pro Sports teams and insignias

Maserati Car

Porche Car

McDonald’s Arches

NASCAR images

Biltmore (Virginia house) and San Simeon Estate

Beverly Hills Sign

Busch Gardens

Sea World (Florida & California)

Universal Studios

Oscar Award Statue

The British Concord

The Louvre & I.M. Pei’s Pyramid

Major League Sports

Indy 500 race

The Grand Ole Opry

The TGV (French high-speed train)

Chevrolet logo/hood ornament

Mustang Horse Logo

Thunderbird Logo

Barbie – the dolls, name and any product

Dartmouth College and the “tower”

San Diego Zoo

Eiffel Tower at night (the lighting design is copyrighted)

Japanese Bullet Train

Exterior of NY Stock Exchange (we have heard the exterior is now problematic)

Vehicles with recognizable designs (Jaguar, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc…)

Emmy and Grammy award trophies

Swan Boats in Boston’s Public Gardens

The Flatiron Building, NYC

The Chrysler Building, NYC

The New Orleans Superdome

If you’re a working photographer selling stock images I highly recommend you become a member of PACA. The information you’ll receive about the stock industry will more than pay for your annual dues.

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Quick Tips To Ensure A More Successful Photo Shoot And Receive A Better Acceptance Rate

I’m continually amazed at how photographers and their work are so entwined; Prior to coming to PhotoSpin, I spent 20 years as a commercial photographer and remember all too well those sinking feelings of rejection when I didn’t get chosen for a project or someone didn’t like my work . Let’s face it, it hurts both your ego and your wallet.

I find that it’s just as difficult to reject artists’ work as it is to have my own work rejected . But that’s business. It’s normal for the photographers[/spin[ to take the rejection as a personal front against them, unable to separate the business from the art. Here at PhotoSpin, we can't accept all the images from potential [spin]contributors so you just have to learn to ignore your ego and don’t take the rejection personally. If we accept your images and sign you, that means we like your work, however, that doesn’t mean that all of your photos will be accepted. We need to maintain a certain image quality that our customers have come to expect and your images need to meet that quality in order for us to accept them. If they don’t meet our quality standards your images will get rejected.

When your work is rejected let it be an inspiration to create even better photography. Just remember, it’s your work that got rejected, not you. Recently I’ve had several photographers question why our rejection rate is so high with certain collections. The simple answer is: Most Stock agencies have very high standards for what is accepted and offered to their customers.

It is important for all contributing photographers to remember that, just because they shoot a photo, it doesn’t mean a stock agency we will automatically post it. Stock agencies’ editors evaluate each image for quality and content before they accept an image to their site. Once an image is accepted and makes its home on a stock agency’s site, it is the agency’s customers that ultimately determine the image’s worth.

The following are quick tips to ensure a more successful shoot and higher acceptance rate:

People shots:

*Do the models work together? Are you thinking ethnic diversity?
*What are you trying to say with your image?
*Does your model fit the theme of your image (sticking a crystal ball in front of a model doesn’t make her a fortune teller)?
*Does the wardrobe, styling, hair, and make-up work with your theme?
*Is the location and lighting appropriate for the situation? Try not to force a shot just because you have a model (i.e. don’t just stick a hat on your model and call it a graduation photo).
*If you are a product photographer don’t try to shoot people as a still life. They will look stiff and the photos will reflect it.

Food for Shots:

*Did you hire a food stylist to prep your image or are you just shooting what’s in front of you? The photographers that are getting a higher return for their images are using a food stylist to prep their shots. Even a large restaurant chain will hire a professional to prepare their food for an advertisement.
*Are you using the right utensils, plates, and stemware that fit with your image (i.e. crystal stemware for a black tie dinner)?

Product/Still life Shots:
*Did you remove the labels?
*Consider the lighting: If you are using candles as a prop do not over light. Create a mood, not just record an image.
*If you are not a studio photographer don’t force it. Work with what you know. As you learn studio lighting then shoot for our collection.

These are just a few basic suggestions. Most importantly, remember who is using the image. Here at PhotoSpin, we believe that our customers deserve the very best thus, by accepting only the highest quality images, we intend to deliver it to them.

For more information on becoming a PhotoSpin contributor please visit: www.photospin.com/contribute

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Photography For Beginners – Use Bad Weather, It’s Good For Your Photography!

Seek out bad weather; it really is terrific good for your pics. Bad weather provides you with many opportunities with dramatic effects on the quality of light. Don’t avoid the rain, the cold, the misty morning, the snow and hail, the rough ocean and many of the other prospects bad weather offers.

Have you noticed after a storm the quality of light? You will often find warm, soft, pastel lighting with enhanced colors and a terrific complementary contrast range. This is lighting to kill for and it only comes after a storm.

Concerned about your camera and tripod? Easy fixed; a rubbish bag will take care of the tripod and give you plenty of room for maneuvers. As for the camera a small plastic bag with a cut out hole for the lens (tape it down so no leaks) and leave everything else encased. You will still be able to operate your digital SLR quite easily.

Fog
Fog and mist yields muted colors with soft lighting as it filters the light much the same as a diffusion filter, only much enhanced.

Wet Weather
After wet weather, the clearing sky yields a clean soft light as if the air has been washed of all pollutants. This lighting is one of the best presented.

Rain
Rain makes surfaces glossy and adds a sparkle to any highlights. Wet subjects add that extra punch to your photography.

Storm Clouds
Storm clouds provide bursts of strong light and drama is improved by exposing for the highlights making the clouds dark and ominous. These conditions are great for skyscapes.

Ocean Storm
Ocean storms are great for water motion shots and complemented by dark cloudy skies. Look for fierce swirling waters and slow it down.

All these circumstances will add far more to your photography than fancy equipment. Get down to basics and search out the fabulous lighting offered by bad weather.

The author, Roo du Jardin, is a photographer who runs an informational website about online photography courses Online Photography Courses. Read some more photography courses online tips, techniques and resources at Online Photography Courses blog.

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