Dinah Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Sorry my comment got mixed up with the others.

I agree entirely with the above and was about to add something similar.

LouEllen, I hope you have great success when you start your photography business. It will be something you have a passion for.

LouEllen

Thanks, Dinah! I appreciate the positive comments. You (and most of the other posters) can ignore my rant. I really don't know why I bothered even posting here in the first place. I see a lot of nice folks who are just here to learn. Then, there are those who are just here to point out the faults of the rest.

I have been out of town for a few days, then come home to this. It cracks me up that some on here think they were born to give advice. I didn't ask anyone on Uglyhedgehog if I can be a photographer, or not. Did I?? I'm pretty much certain I did not. So you may as well keep your negative opinions to yourselves. I already told you that I am starting a photography business. I did not stutter. I did not say maybe, if, perhaps, I'm considering...... I said I am starting a photography business.

Yes, I took a few classes. Several, as a matter of fact. And my first photography class was back about 23 years ago, when I was in college. That was film. Yes, I have seen a bit of film in my day. Thanks for asking! Oops! You didn't ask, now did you?

Did I say I'm a 'Pro'? I don't recall saying I'm a professional photographer. If I did, please forgive me. It seems I may have stepped on your toes. How does one get into your elite professional club? Do I need to be as good a photographer as you? What about those who are better than you?

Look, I try to always be positive on UHH. I guess that is because I have a fulfilled life. No need for me to take any aggression out on other people.

What I said was that I was a bit ticked about my friend removing my signature from the photos. It was more about common courtesy. I will not be suing her for what she did. No, she did not mean any harm. She probably felt that since I treat her like family, it was the same as receiving the photos from her mother. I get it. And I'm over it. I learned my lesson about photos and Facebook.

And I learned a strong lesson about some of the people here on UHH. Trust me. I'm a quick understudy. You don't need to be a jerk twice for me to 'get it'.

Oh, am I a 'Professional'? YES. I have a professional license. I am a medical professional. I didn't need your blessings for that and I don't need them for this, either.

One poster advised removing my emotions from any business transaction. I think that is very good advice. I truly do appreciate some of you and what you wrote. For example, Captain wasn't exactly cheery, but I have come to respect him and his opinions. I didn't expect a big pat on the back, but for crying out loud, I also didn't expect to be stomped on. If my pursuit of happiness bothers you, get over it!

Lou Ellen

LouEllen

Thank you. I will have her sign a release form prior to using any of her photos.

Lou Ellen

LouEllen

Thanks! I couldn't agree more.

Lou Ellen



:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

LouEllen

You apologized for your rant, but, at no time did you attack anyone who responded to you. You let off steam - among friends. And we all learned something along the way. Do not apologize. We owe you our appreciation for what we have learned in this enjoyable exchange of ideas.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

There is one other 'type' of "Pro" that is becoming more and more evident on UHH.......... The "Pro" complainer/cut-down expert!
I believe that you deserve much better treatment than most of the cut-down/bashing posts you have received.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Very classy response. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

LKincaid Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

When I first started getting serious about taking photos of people, I did alot of them for free. I did have everyone sign a model release so I was able to use them for a future portfolio. In my release I stated that photos were not be altered in anyway and I have never had a problem to my knowledge (that is).

Dinah Loc: Brisbane, Australia

LouEllen,
I came across this photography site which I thought might interest you for your photography business. Hope it is of some use to you. www.photomerchant.net
Dinah

sdemaagd Loc: Michigan

:thumbup: :thumbup:

LouEllen

Thank you, Dinah! How thoughtful of you! This is the type of help we should be able to find on this forum.

Lou Ellen

Dinah Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Thanks. Hope you found it interesting.

Experiment_626

And you'll find that in most cases, proving "what you would have been paid" under these circumstances will be extremely difficult at best. Hence ...
Captain C is exactly right. There's a high probability under these circumstances that you won't find an attorney who will take the case (at least on contingency, which is surely what you'd want).

EDIT: Wanted to add that I realize this isn't what the OP was contemplating anyway. I would have been mildly annoyed myself in her situation; clearly if you go to the trouble of adding a signature, you meant for it to be included. If this is a real friend, I would probably just say in the future, "Hey, when you post one of my images, could you please include the signature? Might make it easier for a potential customer to find me that way. Thanks!"

NSWalter Loc: The West

I've most of the previous comments etc which can probably be summarized into about 3 simple statements:

1. the original photographer probably has some reason to be annoyed at her friend
2. the original photographer, and many of the rest of us with much less experience, will think thru the whole process a bit more before acting
3. there are a lot of people posting that know very little, speak to hear themselves, and can only criticize.

Now that should open the doors to a lot more of the same.

And like LouEllen I have professional status.