Randyh Loc: Calif.

Hello to all, On Monday evening at about 10 pm I happen to look out my third story sliding glass window and see a small blazing fire on the property. The fire is inside an open top concrete storage area that contains an electrical mains panel.The electrical panel was saved. there is also some apt. stuff stored in this same area on fire. I called the fire dept. as soon as I noticed this blazing fire.
I grab my camera and shot 14 pictures including some of the fire truck at the end. Now here's what I'd like to know.
The next day my apt. manager comes to me asking to see the pictures of the fire. I show them to her. they are still on my camera at this point. She then asks me if I would then put them on my laptop and send the pictures to her boss. You should know that my apt. is in a complex of low income County housing apartments. I resize a few pictures and send them off to her boss on Tues. I was asked by my apt manager to see if I could load them on to some kind of storage device and have it ready for her to pick up later this week. Here's what I would like to know. Having shared my pics and having more to give to my apt. manager, Am I entitiled some kind of compensation? I feel that I am entitiled to something. What's fair market value of such pics. Or should I inform her that I have had dialogue with a lawyer and have been told that the pics are indeed worth $xxxx. Having given a few away already, is this deal already gone down the tubes? I took these pics without any thoughts of receiving any compensation. But, I have slept on it. and am wondering what are my options. thanks so very much, Randy H

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Well, Randy, I can see you're from California. I hope your building management agent will show you some kind of consideration. But, to tell you the truth, you can turn them over willingly or, if this becomes a civil or criminal case, the pictures can be subpoenaed - and you have already admitted publicly that you have them.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Since you have already furnished some of them to them already, it's now too late to ask for compensation now for any further without risking a subpoena if it goes to court to get them.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

If, however, you are required to testify on any aspect of the photography in court you would be in a position to ask for a fee for your time, transportation and expertise.

ziggykor Loc: East Texas

You own the pictures! Of course you have the right to ask for compensation. But, this post mortem thought that they may be worth something is simple greed on your part.

I'd suggest that you oblige the management and it may work to your benefit at a later date.

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

Randy,

Of course you have the right to seek compensation. It might be more beneficial to cooperate with ownership for the images, but you can suggest the Insurance Company compensate you for all your efforts.

However the agreement is reached you should receive compensation for the Memory Stick (Thumb Drive) from the Apt. Management before supplying the images.

Michael G

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

I don't think you should charge anything for the shots - - however if you are required to testify - then possibly, but as you are not an expert witness they can simply subpoena you and haul your butt in anyway. I think the only thing they could get you to testify about is to confirm that these are the photos you took and the date and time you took them - - THAT shouldn't require your presence and could be done by deposition.
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If they want the digital files - you should be able to send them as an E-Mail attachment - which costs nothing. IF they want you to put them on a thumb drive, CD, whatever - - THEY should provide the media.
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Finally - - DO NOT MODIFY THE IMAGES IN ANY WAY. Whatever you send MUST be the original image file straight out of the camera.
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There is a saying: No Good Deed Ever Goes Unpunished - -
However in this case if your voluntary and enthusiastic cooperation helps your apartment complex with it's insurance claim, one would hope they would credit you with some future 'atta-boys'

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

IMHO it's always good to stay on good terms with the landlady. Give 'em to her and this will help you stay on good terms with the management. If you have any out of pocket expense it would be only fair to get reimbursement.