I just got a message from a "Friend” Stating that someone in photoblog stole one of her photos. Now she didn't elaborate on that, or say how it was used or how she found out that it was stolen.


So I would like to pose the question. What does everyone consider as “Stealing a photo” mean here?


To me, stealing a photo from here means that someone copied one or more of my photos and either tried to sell them or claimed them as their own in some form or another, or removed the watermark so that they could claim those pictures as their own. So long as the watermark is left intact and the photo is not altered in any way and I am credited as the photographer, I personally don’t mind if someone copies any of my photos for personal reasons or if they like it enough to use as a screen “Background,” in fact; I would be honored to know that someone liked one my photos enough to want to use it for their background.

Please check out this site for actual legal info; ASMP's Copyright Guide for Photographers

Yea- I totally agree- Love the photo- in color just as much!~ R urmysunshine · 2008-03-25: 17:30

I havn't gone down the watermark path. I figure the only way to protect yourself is to put the watermark right in the middle of the photo as you have done in this shot. Otherwise it can just be cropped off. Secondly, I'm not really sure who would want to steal any of my photos...lol...maybe I am naive in thinking it will never happen. But I figure there are far better images out there than mine so no one will bother trying to steal any of my shots...and if they do, I'll probably never find out about it anyway. I agree with you...if someone uses it as a screen saver or for personal use then that is flattering. I would however be very upset if i knew someone had taken one of my fav shots that I worked hard to get and sold it off as their own. Mind you, if they can get money for it, it might make me think about the quality of my shots in a different way ;) Anyway, interesting post my friend..very thought provoking and Im sure you will hear many opinions on this issue. focussed · 2008-03-25: 17:59

Yeah, for me its the quality. People do buy my framed prints of photos that can be found on this blog, but the resolution prevents a large copy to be made. I'm a lover of nature, so if my photos are circulating out there somewhere without my permission, oh well. Its nature thats being circulated. I'm cool with that. ????? · 2008-03-25: 20:25

I don't worry about 'stealing' in the same manner that you spoke of. The only thing I worry about is my childrens' faces being stolen and used on other photos in unflattering or unseemly ways (I know of this happening). So I've had to put watermarks just on photos of my childrens' faces. I think it's a shame when things like this happen. Like you, I'd be flattered if someone took my photo and used it as a background... The best scenario would be if I was given credit for taking it, of course ;) LotoFoto · 2008-03-25: 20:49

i would be pleased with my photo used by someone as a background, and i agree with PhySpi that resolution prevents a large copy to be made, so it's not that big issue I think ... nice photo anyway :) Bushman · 2008-03-25: 22:10

I concur with what you have written, and in adding, hate those ugly big watermarks in the middle and like them down in the corner as you have in the second. I think a lot of it comes down to honesty. And acknowledging that at some point, in any avenue of life and through any medium, someone will most likely copy or steal something you have created. Nature almost seems to dictate it, in a way. As you've said, if someone were to use any of my pictures for a background or some other personal reason, I would be honoured. After all, part of creating our images is to share them :) Peche · 2008-03-26: 00:26

I am with you on this. I am flattered by people wanting to look at and use my images, but not for them to hold them out as their own or for monetary gain. The only protection apart from heavy watermarking is to post in really low res so they can't be used for much, but then we miss the pleasure in what makes a good shot! basisimages · 2008-03-26: 03:11

I agree you! miclaud · 2008-03-26: 10:58

I totally agree... I will be honour as well if someone like pictures i took.. maybe we are into photography as a hobby but not as career... it's different.. alantan1982 · 2008-03-26: 11:17

If anyone ask me to mail one of my pictures for private use i will be glad(and honoured) to help them. I did already a few times, don't care so much about the watermark because the small resolution. Removed a "friend" from my list because i found out he was putting pics on his blog from famous photographers and calling them his own... wondering why.... eljapa · 2008-03-26: 15:22

Hey all, that friend he is talking about is me, I found one of my photos on google and hit had been altered and also the watermark taken off and he claimed it as his. So, thats when I said hell with it. :( I don't know why he chose one of mine over plenty other pictures that were better then mine. But I was really upset because I love photoblog, and I agree with you P. on the background and personal use, that would be cool! I agree with a lot of you on that. Thanks to Coyoteself and all of your comments I think I will start posting again and put my account on private and lower the resolution. It saddens me that people steel like that, but I guess you can't get away from crime completly. But thank you all for the suggestions and comments and thank you mostly to Paul. Delseneas · 2008-03-26: 16:41

Thanks for commenting Nicole, It's important that people hear (Read) your story. coyoteself · 2008-03-26: 16:43

I agree with you coyoteself, would be honored if someone wanted one of my pics just because the enjoy it but to sell or take credit is just crappy. I'm a firm believer in you reap what you sow though so they will get theirs some day......... picturemom · 2008-03-26: 22:50

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