Dogman Loc: Michigan

Same here. Only thing I put on-line are a few landscape images on Flickr. Grand kids images go into a photo book.

Dogman

katkase Loc: Grapeview, WA

I have been a flickr user since 2006 and I use it for my best photos or something I want to show that could be made better. It meets my desire to share. I sometimes get some interesting comments from viewers. Just a few days ago, I had a viewer tell me that my Banana slugs are not Banana at all but an European invasive species. I posted those photos in 2010. The secret is, if you post where do you want the photos to go. I put my photos in creative commons license, which means that they have to credit me with the photo. I found out from one viewer that they found an uncredited photo of mine. that is a risk I take. How do you want the public to see your photos? do you only want friends and family or the public? That answer will determine which photo site you want to use.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I maintain my own website. It functions as a point of sale for my work, but it's primary purpose is to provide the "professional web presence" expected by art festival promotors.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

You have some really captivating images there Jim...

katkase Loc: Grapeview, WA

[quote=Photographer Jim]I maintain my own website. It functions as a point of sale for my work, but it's primary purpose is to provide the "professional web presence" expected by art festival promotors.[/qu

Your photos have the wow factor. But, I think you made the point quite well that is the aim of your postings and you acted accordingly.

Michael66 Loc: Queens, New York

And???

I thought that was kind of the point.

I know I just stepped on a landmine, but before someone blows their stack, consider. Are most photographers pros, those that make money selling their shots or amateurs, those just looking to share or get a little validation?

From what I've seen here, in the past few weeks, most hog members are just photo bugs that want to share their knowledge and get back in kind. I couldn't care less what someone does with my shots. Have at it. If I didn't want you to see my stuff, I wouldn't post it on-line. OTOH, I do respect the work of others and would never try to pass it off as my own.

katkase Loc: Grapeview, WA

I agree with you and there are many like you who respect people's right to ownership of their photos. Just like in the real world the virtual world has its fair share of ripoff artists that will steal other people's work and pass it off as their own. On my flickr site many photographers whose work on the site, who put the copyright no copying or using without permission found their photos used on other sites. I found out that if it is on the web, whether you give permission or not, people will steal and use a photo and call it their own. Unfortunately it is a sad fact of life.

garceh Loc: florida

Great answer. Thanks.