Tip of the Month {Q&A}

There is much opinion these days about what products are offered by each individual photographer. The biggest opinion these days is printing vs. CD. Since as long as I can remember, photos from professional photographers were only offered in prints. This allowed secure copyright to the photographer. The newest thing happening with photography now (and HUGE request from clients) is receiving the disc with the photos from the session. Many photographers that I have talked to, struggle with how they wish to present the disc. With social networking becoming a huge part of our every day lives and how we communicate and share with each other, the more opportunity us photographers have to advertize. On top of that though, is more opportunity that we photographers seem to have issues with stolen images. There have been a few unfortunate events via Facebook in where this has happened to some photographers that I know. The question we face is: how much to I want to keep as copyright for myself, and how much do I want to give of the copyright to my client? It is completely up to the opinion of the individual photographer. I know some photographers who put a copyright on all their photos received on the disc, and some who don’t put any copyright on the disc to be released.

For me, I don’t sell prints unless the client is interested in purchasing prints. Photos are now shared with family and friends via some social network rather than hung up on the walls or shared in albums. My clients so far have been fabulous in giving me credit for my photography that I don’t feel the need to put copyright on every photo.  The only thing that I am concerned about is how my art is transferred to the many different printing companies around. High quality prints are very important to the way your art is presented. I suggest to my clients to seek out the best local printing facility or to order their prints through me. It is their choice in the end. I have sold a few large prints for wall display decoration, and I think it’s great! The most important photos I believe need to be displayed as a reminder of your wonderful life at that time.

My suggestion to you is to read other photographers opinions as well, and then decide for yourself how you wish to run your business. Here are some links I have found from other photographers opinions about the subject:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/shoot-burn-vs-printing

http://www.viennaglennblog.com/2011/05/disc-of-images-vs.html