Turning Over Negatives-How to Release Copyright

A few months ago, I photographed a 10th anniversary party for a couple I go to

church with.

 

They were very happy with the prints, and I received several print orders from

the family.

 

Anyway, I'm going to deliver the prints to the couple tomorrow, and have decided

that I'll also give them the negatives along with suggestions for a few labs to

use. I made the mistake of not pricing my reprints high enough, and they're

simply not worth the time nor the trouble for my measly profit(I'll know better

in the future).

 

My question is, do I need to include any kind of documentation indicating that I

release the copyright and give them unlimited permission to print the negatives

at their will? If I do, what should I say?

 

I'm guessing that I'll need something to the effect of "I, Ben Hutcherson, grant

unlimited rights to the holders of the these negatives to be printed at the

holders discretion." I want to make it as easy as possible for them in the

future to be able to have them printed without having to hunt me down for a

signature on a document.

 

Thanks,

Ben

Just give them the negatives. No one will ever question their right to get prints from them. If you really feel the need to say something then keep it simple like "These are yours to use however you want."

What if the customer scans the negatives?. Do we as a print shop print the images with no "release copyright"? . :) <BR><BR>Almost all of the Uncle Bobs and Mildreds who bring in CD's say "they have the negatives"; "or we own the images". <BR><BR>An actual letter defuses and reduces grey areas of ownership and reduces arguments and slammed doors and cursing by customers. Its really rare as hens teeth times that they bring in the negatives too.<BR><BR> Once an image is scanned; a lab or print shop has no way of magically knowing ownership. Snanners are everywhere. <BR><BR><b>An actual release from a photographer should be done too; besides just giving/selling the negatives.</b> <BR><BR>Folks are going to scan your unreleased prints you make for them too. Having clear title is better defined by a well defined legal release on a letterhead than Uncle Bobs verbal "we have the negatives; or "we own the images" typical statements.<BR><BR>Most labs or shops are going to print images when folks bring in actual negatives.

Sometimes a photographer will release/sell the wedding images so the family can do their own custom printing for their own private usage. BUT the release boxes in that they cannot sell the images to Sears Roebuck, Monkey Wards, May Company; or Britney's wedding dress shop for advertising. Some photographers will state in goofy terms that the images are only for proofs; but what the heck is a proof? Is an 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 24x36 just a proof? One should avoid grey ill weasel words and use Plain Jane English; and avoid dumb terms like "proof" that a customer assumes means really anything.

"The negatives are yours unless you make money off these images. If you do, want a XX% cut of the sale."

 

Sign it and turn it in with the pictures.

<p>In this case you're not releasing the copyright. You're just giving usage rights to the recipient.</p>

 

<p>Photographers should all know and care about the difference between copyright and usage rights. The bottom line is it affects your livelihoods.</p>

Unless your images look "professional" it won't likely be an issue and they can get reprints without being questioned. However, if you have images using a pro backdrop or with sophisticated post-processing, then a letter on professional studio letterhead granting them personal use privilges would be in order.

I provide the client with a letter that basically says I'm not responsible for any prints made

from the digital negatives d/t variations in photo processing quality and that the prints are

only for personal use....they can't be sold or used in any print publications without written

permission from me.