I've recenly gotten into taking portraits of families and I provide a disk for them to make prints. Apparently Wal Mart will not make prints for them without persmission from the photographer. That's a good thing because of copyright issues, but something I did not think of ahead of time. What type of releases do you guys use to allow clients to make prints from a CD of images that you've provided? Is a simple "I give permission for "so and so" to make prints for personal use from my images provided on this CD" good enough? Or do I need to include language about "not for commercial use or to be sold without permission from the photographer".
On the rare occasion that I give someone a copyright released image, I usually burn it directly onto the CD with Lightscribe. We only do this for executive headshots that will be used to make business cards, marketing materials, etc. The thought of letting the pimply faced boy at Walmart have the final artistic control of a family portrait that is in any way associated with my studio name sickens me. That will never, never, never happen.
Hi Kelly,
"The thought of letting the pimply faced boy at Walmart have the final artistic control of a family portrait that is in any way associated with my studio name sickens me. That will never, never, never happen. "
Granted the wording is a little course, but the sentiment is accurate. When your rep depends on the quality of the printing, the wrong hands doing your printing can sink you, in spite of your great efforts behind the lens.
We use our local Walmart in time emergencies for smaller prints and at the request of a client, but it's rare and very specific. We don't relinquish control of the disc, and there's only one person on the staff of our local Walmart that we will allow to do the prints. And each time we inspect them VERY carefully. Our deepest preference is to use a good pro lab, have the prints delivered to us for in spection, and delivery to our clients in person.
Hi Hank,
Katie didn't ask for opinions on the quality of walmart. She wanted info on a release form and I gave her a link to the form that walmart uses. I agree most photograpers that are selling high end prints, including myself, don't use Walmart for printing. I also have my prints delivered to me for inspection before delivery to the client. Whether we like it or not, Walmart serves the printing needs of many millions of people.
Ronnie G.
I certainly didn't want to start a fight here. I agree that Walmart probably wouldn't be my first choice for having photos printed...I've never used them myself...I recommend MPIX to my few and far between clients...but this was a favor I did for a mom who wanted some photos of her kids...I gave her about a dozen shots to do with as she pleased. I'm a full time mom and extremely part- part time photographer...about one gig a month is all I have time for. So giving up the disk so I don't have to deal with fulfilling print orders while my toddler is screaming because I'm on the computer instead of spending all my time with him...well...as far as I'm concerned it's just one less thing to deal with. When he gets into school...and I'm doing this more frequently, of course I'll make sure prints are done through a quality printer. For now...my "clients" can print wherever they like. All I was concerned with was what Ronnie said...what should I tell Walmart so that this lady can just get a few prints made...she doesn't exactly have much money. I'm just trying to do her a favor. I downloaded the link to the walmart form...thanks for that Ronnie.
Actually I agree with both Ronnie and Kate. Walmart serves a purpose, and there are times/reasons to make adjustments in your strategy for dealing with the needs of clients and your own life.
In fact, I absolutely love their release form. We make a significant portion of our income from the sale of prints, and therefor are very careful about letting go of discs and other electronic forms. We stamp or sign all prints larger than wallets with our copyright, as a matter of fact. And Walmart backs that up. They refuse to print additional copies of our prints taken from spurious flatbed scans, too. I could reel off a whole list of small photo printers that aren't nearly so scrupulous.
Discussion
7 repliesThanks.
Kate
This is the official Walmart release form that I've used on several occasions. I fairly sure you can pick up this form at Walmart.
http://ericparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/51016-0_wm_copyright_ebf1d.pdf
"The thought of letting the pimply faced boy at Walmart have the final artistic control of a family portrait that is in any way associated with my studio name sickens me. That will never, never, never happen. "
A totally unnecessary and condescending comment.
Ronnie G.
Granted the wording is a little course, but the sentiment is accurate. When your rep depends on the quality of the printing, the wrong hands doing your printing can sink you, in spite of your great efforts behind the lens.
We use our local Walmart in time emergencies for smaller prints and at the request of a client, but it's rare and very specific. We don't relinquish control of the disc, and there's only one person on the staff of our local Walmart that we will allow to do the prints. And each time we inspect them VERY carefully. Our deepest preference is to use a good pro lab, have the prints delivered to us for in spection, and delivery to our clients in person.
Katie didn't ask for opinions on the quality of walmart. She wanted info on a release form and I gave her a link to the form that walmart uses. I agree most photograpers that are selling high end prints, including myself, don't use Walmart for printing. I also have my prints delivered to me for inspection before delivery to the client. Whether we like it or not, Walmart serves the printing needs of many millions of people.
Ronnie G.
In fact, I absolutely love their release form. We make a significant portion of our income from the sale of prints, and therefor are very careful about letting go of discs and other electronic forms. We stamp or sign all prints larger than wallets with our copyright, as a matter of fact. And Walmart backs that up. They refuse to print additional copies of our prints taken from spurious flatbed scans, too. I could reel off a whole list of small photo printers that aren't nearly so scrupulous.