One of my images was stolen
May 11, 2016 12:34:02 #
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some cityscape pictures. I happened to post one of them on my facebook as I was happy with how it turned out, asking if anyone wanted to purchase a canvas of it. A couple of clients did. One client stole the image from facebook and made into a canvas and put it on her wall, never asked me. I only found out because she is selling her home and she put the realtor pictures on her facebook, I knew from a mile away that the image was mine, and she had never approached me to purchase it. I am very annoyed about it, but should I ruin a client relationship because of this by asking her to pony up the cash? Or should I just accept a lousy apology?
May 11, 2016 12:36:22 #
MaggieMay1978 wrote:
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some ci... (show quote)
Nope, just forget it.
It's not worth the hassle.
It happens to everyone.
May 11, 2016 12:47:02 #
Maggie, as aggravating as that may be, take it as a -sort of- compliment. In the end, it may be more aggravating to loose a client/friend over the use of one of your photographs.
If she were selling these, that's an entirely different story.
--Bob
If she were selling these, that's an entirely different story.
--Bob
MaggieMay1978 wrote:
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some ci... (show quote)
May 11, 2016 12:50:47 #
rpavich wrote:
Nope, just forget it. It's not worth the hassle. It happens to everyone.
Very bad, very sad, and very true.
Too many people don't see it as stealing because it was online.
May 11, 2016 12:57:39 #
MaggieMay1978 wrote:
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some ci... (show quote)
And yet you call her a client. More appropriately a "Thieving client".
I agree... not worth the hassle. But do you think about the lost commission if it helps sell her house?
May 11, 2016 12:58:44 #
May 11, 2016 13:03:02 #
Nikocarol
Loc: NM & FL
This is one of those situations that shows you someone's true colors. I would ask her how she came to have that image and wait for the answer. No integrity and therefore no loyalty. So maybe it is time for you to check in with yourself and see what your boundaries are? Guess she wasn't worried that you'd see the picture if she posted it in a place that you would see it. Hmmm, maybe she is saying something else? Good luck!
May 11, 2016 13:04:45 #
MaggieMay1978 wrote:
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some ci... (show quote)
I would mention it but not pursue it. Next time you work for her casually tell her that you found out that some of your work was being stolen and how disappointed and how low that is. Mention nothing about her, then let it go. If it's on the internet it WILL BE STOLEN, if it's any good!! The ONLY protection you have is to post only dinky thumbnails. Maybe they will uprez them 10x, but I doubt it!
If she is a client, just up charge her next jobs a little bit each till its paid for. At least you might feel ok about working for her again!!
Good luck!
SS
May 11, 2016 13:08:04 #
May 11, 2016 13:12:43 #
Maybe make a general post on your FB page like this "If you are interested in my photography, please purchase it from me. Taking these copyright images takes money from my pocket and isn't fair. Than you." That way you are not accusing the client, but maybe the client will visit your FB page again, see you plea and, if she has a conscience, offer to purchase your work.
May 11, 2016 14:44:23 #
I agree with SS. That in itself is scary to me. I would let her know that just because it's on the internet doesn't mean its up for grabs. But usually if the person is that inconsiderate they won't understand what you are saying but it wouldn't just let it go because you will no doubt lose another one or two
May 11, 2016 16:50:30 #
MaggieMay1978 wrote:
I am a family photographer, sometimes I do some ci... (show quote)
it seems to me that your client has already ruined the relationship by stealing from you.
May 11, 2016 17:19:39 #
I'm curious as to how someone got an image off Facebook with enough resolution to actually make a print. Aren't they just a few hundred kilobytes?
May 11, 2016 17:37:15 #
May 11, 2016 20:44:35 #
Basil wrote:
Maybe make a general post on your FB page like this "If you are interested in my photography, please purchase it from me. Taking these copyright images takes money from my pocket and isn't fair. Than you." That way you are not accusing the client, but maybe the client will visit your FB page again, see you plea and, if she has a conscience, offer to purchase your work.
If she had a conscience she would not have taken the picture in the first place.
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