example of risky practice -- question on releases

[joeb]

I have been getting Stephi Stewart's emails. Mostly to understand

what she is advising. Not much of interest until today. She sent a

link to Bridal Bloopers:

 

http://www.bridalbloopers.com/

 

The one bridal blooper photo was submitted by a photographer. I guess

any publicity is good publicity. I would never submit a photo to a

contest like the one Stephi is sponsoring. I see too many issues both

legal and philosophical. Even if you have a model release in your

contract, the "false light" provisions could easily apply to blooper

images. I also don't want to support or have my contact info on one

of her sites.

 

On the other side of the coin, if you release your images how do you

word the release? Your customer could upload an image. If you still

own the copyright, normally you would have a copyright/courtesy credit

with the image. A release to print images or upload to a personal web

page is all a bride needs to use the images.

 

If you use a limited release when you sell or give the bride a CD of

images, please post your release.

[steve_levine]

Personally I think Stephi should be flogged. Her approach is to scare brides with her cynical bull sh-t. Anything to put a vendor in a bad light makes her day.

 

Her website suggests that every one in the wedding business is overpaid, and out to screw brides, except her.

 

 

I think brides with half a brain, ignore her nonsense.

[david_schilling___chicago_]

Joe, When the wedding includes negatives and hi-res scans I simply do a handwritten note on the original contract that states: "Bride & groom are granted unlimited use of images for personal, noncomercial use." And then add my signature. I also steer them to my local lab to decrease any problems and to maximize the potential of good prints.

[craig_gillette]

I guess there is a difference in my mind between a blooper and intentional bad behavior. It also looks like there is clearly a potential for being increasingly and uncontrollably tacky (would you want your work right over the "give-away free........" "ad?"

 

I'd agree, I think this reeks of risk, brides might innocently submit the photographer's work w/o permission (even if the shooter might not pursue it, how far will she continue to push the revenue stream??) and I'm pretty sure that most releases included in contracts (from those I've seen) won't stretch far enough to get from your "portfolio" to "Stephie Presents Life's Most Embarrassing Moments."

[lex_jenkins]

I must be missing something. What's bloopish about that photo? My cousin and her hubbie chased each other all over the yard having a wedding cake foodfight at their wedding. They were having fun.

[joeb]

Lex,

 

I agree the image posted is a mild blooper