Property realese for a State capitol?

[rod_melotte]

<p>I have had so many people buying prints and saying I should make a calendar I'm wondering if I should worry about a release? from a State Capital? I would not think so but . . . .</p>

[sknowles]

<p>Did you call them? Did you check their Website for laws governing photography of government resources? Odds are there is a state Department of General Services or some such name which operates and manages government property. I'm sure they have lawyers or administrators who can provide an answer. </p>

[photomark]

I wouldn't ask, I would just do it. If you ask, you will undoubtedly find some pen pusher who will say no because it is easy

and safer that saying yes. I can't think of any reason why you would need permission for something like this. But that's just

my opinion, which is not informed by any formal legal education.

[ellis_vener_photography]

<p>Are State Capitol building private property?</p>

[rod_melotte]

<p>I have an image I took in the hanging in the Attorney Generals office and they are thinking of buying four more for the Department of Justice PLUS two Attorneys have purchased 20x30 canvas images and no one has said anything YET. <br>

.<br>

My typical MOA on something like this is to ask for forgiveness if things go bad as long as I see nothing really wrong. It's a public building so . . . . . HOWEVER . . . <br>

.<br>

the one thing that DOES worry me are images of the mosaics. These are drawing a LOT of attention because they are unseen for the most part as they are in shade. The building is one thing but it is these that are 200 feet up in shade that are getting people talking my name (in a good way).</p>

<p><img src="http://www.melottephotoimagery.com/BigmosJus.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="408" /></p>

[joeb]

<p>When was the mural installed? When was the capitol built? Most likely the copyright lapsed or was never registered. It's only recently that copyright vested with the creator with out registration.</p>

<p>Works for the Federal government depending on how it was purchased/produced is public domain. Your state may have similar laws.</p>

<p>Joe</p>

[mikael_karlsson]

<p>Rod:<br /> <br /> Why do you think you would need a release? Will the image be used to sell or promote a service or product? (your own photography typically doesn't count) Will the caption be that the state senators are using the building to sell crack or arrange call-girls? I'm assuming not so there's no libel or defamation to worry about.<br /> <br /> I'd go ahead with it and wouldn't worry one bit.</p>

[rod_melotte]

<p>Joe - mosaic 1917, Capitol about the same. Mikael - just making sure - not used to success and worried about something hiding in the weeds (other then the Senators).</p>

<p>TY </p>

[photomark]

Rod, copyright of the mural will not be an issue. Anything prior to 1923 is in the public domain.

[joeb]

<p><a href="http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm">http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm</a><br />If the mural was in copyright a photo would be a derivative work. By placing it on public display, I would consider it published. Only unpublished works are covered by copyright before 1923. The Cornell page is where I go when I have a question on public domain status.</p>

<p>Joe</p>

[tim_mulholland]

<p>Hi Rod,<br>

I have the same photo, but haven't yet sold it! ;) My perspective is that this is public property, so while I can understand that you might have some hesitations, I don't think that it's an issue. BUT, since you're the one working with the attorneys, you should consult with them, not us...<br>

If you're printing the photos as single pieces of "art," and not printing them in the traditional media, I don't see an issue. And, if it's a calendar, I'm still not sensing an issue.<br>

Actually, I wish that I had thought of it first. The big badger heads are some of my favorite things in the capitol building... ;)</p>

<p>Good luck,<br>

Tim!</p>

[rod_melotte]

<p>Tim - funny you should mention that - I have not taken photos of the cap for years thinking WHY - it's a University town with thousands of people taking photos. I had eight 16x24 canvas shots at Starbucks on the Square - 130 business cards were taken and not one was purchased even though people were loving the photos.<br>

.<br>

Month later I'm getting calls for all sorts of jobs. Seems to always be a month for people to wrap their head around a big purchase. DOJ wants to buy 4 for their walls. Gotta figure how to make The People pay for it. LOL</p>