Twice in the past month or so, I have been asked, “If I used one of your pictures for a Facebook™ cover or on Instagram™, is that stealing?”
My answer was this. Yes, that is stealing. In particular, it is copyright infringement. However, when someone does that, I don’t mind as long as the person who is “borrowing” my image always gives me credit for taking it AND never re-edits it.
Facebook has a really good tool for sharing images and it’s called the share button. Twitter allows you to retweet! When an official share or RT is made, the author or artist always receives credit. There’s no ambiguity. However, when you screen shot an image or right-click/save, it is not clear where the image came from. This is where tagging or mentioning comes in handy. When you share my work, it increases my exposure and I appreciate that! I really do!! If you ensure that I get credit, you are helping me to build my brand and that makes me happy, happy, happy!
If you’d like to share my image on a social network, I’d appreciate the following:
- Whenever possible, share or retweet.
- If cropping, try to leave my logo visible.
- Tag or mention Ata-Girl.
- If someone tells you they like the picture, respond with, “Thanks! Ata-Girl took it!”
- If you’re in my image, ALWAYS tag yourself!!
- Never re-edit or apply filters.
- Printing from a screen shot, scan or right-click/save is NEVER allowed.
Disclaimer: This is how I would like my images to be shared, but these are probably not the same views of every photographer. If you are illegally sharing other photographers’ work, they may not be as lenient as I am. This is a crime and is punishable under the law. When in doubt, always ask! And just so you know, ignorance of law is not a plausible defense.
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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, Sharing my Work!, 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.
