I have covered the topic of copyright infringement many times. You can read my posts here, here and here. Basically, copyright infringement is taking an illegal copy of someone’s art (photo, painting, drawing, sculpture) and using it without permission. Copyrights are inherenteven ifthe artist has been hired, even ifthe client appears in the art, even ifthe art is not clearly marked with a copyright, even ifthe art has been posted on the Internet, andeven ifthe client has purchased a physical copy. Even if everyone else is doing it, copyright infringement isstealing and is punishable by law.
Just as there are laws to prevent physical art, laws also exist to protect musical art. There are a few parties who generally have ownership in a song: the label, publisher, composer and songwriter. If you want to use a song without risk, you have to obtain a proper music license or permission to use the song. The basic function of a music license is to ensure the copyright owners are fairly compensated for use of their work.
It’s irresponsible to use Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer to produce your video just because you paid $1.49 for a copy on iTunes®. When you use art without permission, you are stealing. There are affordable options to purchase a proper music license to play songs on your slideshows and videos. I usually use Song Freedom when I’m putting together a wedding video for my clients, but there are others: Triple Scoop Music, The Music Bed and Animoto. Legal licensing is affordable. On average, a proper music license from an artist who is not known nationally will run about $60. However, songs that are known worldwide and used in prime time television or blockbusting movies can easily cost thousands of dollars. With a proper music license, there are usually restrictions like the number of times you can use the song and restrictions on where/how you can use the song, and you are also usually required to display a credit like the one below.
Proper Music License
Fun Fact: Did you know the song Happy Birthday to You is copyrighted and generates over $2M in music royalties each year.
Be respectful and make sure you’re legal. Be legit. And don’t forget to be photographed.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.
I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!
The post, Obtaining a Proper Music License, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.