Photograph copyrights

daver · Post by **daver** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 12:57 pm

Could any of our photographic friends help me with this please.Can you have copies of school photographs made that are over 55 years old? Some were taken to a storeat Owlcoats and we were told that it is in breech of copyright and they would be prosecuted if they did them.Many thanks.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 1:41 pm

The advice you've been given is true daver. Copyright on photographs doesn't run out on a 'known photographers' work until 70 years after his death. Copyright is also still in place 70 years after the photograph was taken, even if the photographer is not known.Also it is 70 years from when the work was made available to the public, if this event occurs within the 70 year period from the date of creation. Your 15 years too short!

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 1:42 pm

I think it depends on the company still being in existence and if they passed any copyright on to the new owners. I think. I'm pretty sure that if a company no longer exists then copying for personal use is not problem at all. IF you intend to use for commercial use, ie advertisement, then thats different!If it's of single people, still alive, then a model release sometimes has to be filed and or signed. this enable the photo to be used, copied as many times as needed.

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 1:43 pm

I stand corrected it seems. Cheers Phill, I never knew that!

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 1:51 pm

It is long time isn't it Simon?But a i feel quite strongly about this issue after seeing more than a few of my pics published on the net without permission, I feel it is a good one.You might like to look in more detail about the 'Fair use policy' daver.Fair use is a copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as use for scholarship or review.

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 2:13 pm

This is one of the reasons I never put my good stuff, well, I consider it good stuff, on the net. Hardly any control over rights. I used to use a photo library, that earned me decent money some time ago. They hold all the details on your work and discuss money etc with the clients needing it. Only instances Iv'e had of copying is Leeds United based stuff being used by various forums for their matchday coverage. A wee email has had them either taken down, or rewarded. Mind you, I know a lot of the moderators of many Leeds forums, so I consider myself lucky in that respect.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 2:24 pm

Well I guess it's what you want out of your photoghraphy, A great deal of my satisfaction comes from the public feedback I get.So hiding it away kind of defeats the object of what I'm doing. I've let people use my material free of charge in the past, If it's for a good purpose. The only thing I object to is the lack of common decency & good manners.A.. asking for permission doesn't take much effort.b. Crediting you with the work after.It's only common sense decency at the end of the day!I practice it and expect to see it back!

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 2:38 pm

Me personally, I couldn't give a toss what others think, so long as I am happy with the image I end up with. However, when I did Photo lib work I did have to adhere to a strict code. your very right in the fact that manners cost bugger all.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 2:52 pm

Absolutely Simon.. The name of the game is doing stuff that makes you happy, No matter how you achieve it. The public feedback doesn't always mean how good the photos are or critique e.t.c.I like the stories and bits of history people add to the places I'd not have known otherwise. Pictures without information lack something I think.I think by putting your stuff in the public domain, you get far more out of your photography, I've been to places, and seen things I never would have, if my material wasn't on the net.I even get people asking me if I'd like to photograph there business/premises e.t.c.Yeah I recommend the hobby to anyone. Very rewarding indeed

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 2:54 pm

daver wrote: Could any of our photographic friends help me with this please.Can you have copies of school photographs made that are over 55 years old? Some were taken to a storeat Owlcoats and we were told that it is in breech of copyright and they would be prosecuted if they did them.Many thanks. If you have a digital camera, take a very good shot of them put them onto disc and take them to a shop that'll print them off for you. Saying that my mum had some of my school pictures restored and copied for relatives at Snappy Snaps on the Headrow. I think it's up to the shop if they want to do it or not!