terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

I will look into those sites I just googled copyright law and they came up. I like Ed Greenbergs advice if you are a KelbyOne user there is some good videos up and though they are a year or two old they still pertain to today. I have had 2 photos taken off of facebook that were used without my permission and was able to get them taken down only because I was able to prove through my copyrights I filed that they were mine. 1 refused to pay me anything (Chinese group). But the other were nice enough to send me a apology (which also stated in legal terms that they would never use my photos unless they have my permission in writing) and a check for $850. dollars that to me was nice I could have went to court though and would have won a substantial amount more but like I said I am in this mostly for the enjoyment and therapy that photography gives, and I make a fairly good amount of cash from old friends I shot in the old days and I sell many from my hangings inn condos and some shops that hang them up for me. It pays for my trips and equipment with a nice cushion in my pocket. I hope that others including the OP can do this also, we are only protecting ourseles when we file the simple copyright, these photos are our babies, our memories, our passion. Sorry for the name calling wont do it to you again, I do appreciate it when folks correct me if I am wrong, so thanks.

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto: "I would suggest what the second prize was - and be happy to get that."

anotherview Loc: California

By asking about price, the bank has indicated it expects to pay something for the photograph. I sense that if you propose a reasonable price, say, $200, the bank will say Yes.

lisabearsitall Loc: Chester County, PA

Hi Manspam. Does the person at the bank want to buy a print or digital file? If this image is better than the photo that won second place, can you ask for the amount the first place winner was awarded? Also, is the bank as a business the buyer or a guy that works at the bank that want to hang it in his house? These are things I would roll around in my head to help decide. Sorry, I realize these are only more questions. I just would not sell yourself too short if you are going the professional route. Good luck!

-Lisa

The Watcher

I think after six pages of comments, the OP should post his award winning photos.

manspam Loc: Michigan

Sorry for the delay in getting back with all of you, my computer froze up on Sat. and I was busy yesterday. Wow, I didn't expect so many replies. Thanks to all (except one) who were kind enough to respond-it's a lot of food for thought. To sum things up, yes, I was aware of the permission rights when I entered the contest. I hesitated entering for that reason, but decided to enter some photos that were good, just not my best ones in the event they didn't win-I didn't want to give away my rights. The photo that they want to purchase WAS submitted in the contest, but they have asked to purchase it from me. Not sure if the contest is sponsored by the bank or someone else, I am meeting the gentleman at the bank this afternoon to pick up contest $ and discuss the photo he wants to purchase. He also told me he'd like to look at some of the other photos I have that I didn't submit. I do not have a photography business and this is the first photo contest I won $$ in. (I've only entered a few but I did win an "honorable mention" in a photo contest that was judged by a former student of Ansel Adams). I consider myself an amateur, yet when I submitted some of my photos to the Director of Public Relations of a large Zoo she said "You're no amateur-these look like professional photographs". Yet I still have so much to learn, and UHH is a great learning place! That said, I asked what would be a fair price for the second photo entered in the contest just to get a ballpark figure. I think I will be happy with what they offer, based on their prize $$, as this was an unexpected surprise.

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Sounds like you're doing well with your photography -- I think many of us would love to see some of the photos you described, including both the one you won 2nd place with and the one the bank says it wants to buy.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Keep up the great work,and don't let the haters get you down . . .

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Please go away - you missed the point AGAIN!. And you continue to show your ignorance and how little you actually comprehend through the "Rongnongno Filter"

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Thank you!!!

The Watcher

Still waiting to see those award winning photos.

manspam Loc: Michigan

Just a quick update. Met with the VP of Marketing on Monday to pick up my check. Turns out the bank is the one who sponsored the contest. Marketing guy looked at my other photos and is interested in purchasing digital copies of 2 other photos for their website and brochures. Bubble was burst when he only offered $25 for each photo. Said he usually uses stock photos and pays $10 for those, but preferred local pictures that our community can identify with. Told him I'd sleep on it and get back with him-haven't yet. I'm still having computer problems and just made a quick pit stop at the library to check my email. Don't have photos with me as some requested, other than one of the ones he wants to buy that wasn't submitted in the contest (see below). Not sure if I want to give up exclusive rights for only $25.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Whatever the price, non exclusive is the best bet. Then again it will depend on how firm you want to be on that.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

So the obvious silver lining here is that your work can be submitted to a stock photo house and he will not be the only person buying your work. If it is good enough for this bank, it's good enough for other purposes, and you will find that once you get started, checks from the stock agency tend to show up a very opportune moments. Take the money and run, and find an active stock agency you like and which might work with you.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Don't hold your breath . . .