Can I Add to My Portfolio Even if the Subject Doesn't Like Them?

[Gavjenks]

without a model release you should not sell them directly as prints or to an agency (unless it's "newsworthy"), but you can display them non-directly-commercially. Unless possibly if they paint the person in a bad light (as in holding an armful of porn or pretending to shoot heroin or something. Not just unflattering lighting), which is a gray area.

But of course as mentioned, don't screw with your friends and family. Thats just a poor plan all around.

 

[MitchStrp]

I am by no means a portrait/maternity photographer BUT when I do take clients who want senior photos ect ect I do the best I can but I never get attached to the images because I know this is not what I do and I did the best I could. As goofy as it sounds thats just the way I am, Ive had a few clients like HORRIBLE photos IMHO but I didn't care because the check cleared, they were happy and they told friends and family so my rep was actually helped. (btw if that didnt make any since its because I am Hammered )

 

[shutterbug13]

Hi! I've read several of the replies and it is my advice to have a contract. ALWAYS. From personal experience, ESPECIALLY with friends and family. They are the first that will take advantage of your talent and time. I have a website and a Facebook fan page for my new photography business. I have had a passion for photography all my life, studied it in school years ago. But just this year started my own business. My contracts are straight forward and to the point, yet simple. I also have the policies posted on the website welcome page, about me page AND on each individual page when I have a special offer, A La Carte page and Package Price page. ALL clients are sent to the website to read the policies, I tell them verbally AND (now that I have been burned by family) EVERYONE signs the contract BEFORE the shoot. If I have a client that is opposed to having their photos placed on Facebook, I accommodate. Why? They may have kids and are just simply opposed to sharing photos online. For my portfolio/gallery on my website, I also accommodate. However, I have had on a few make this request. So my portfolio continues to grows.
Regarding the subject of "taking and posting pictures of people online without their permission, they can sue you?" I have heard this too, but from a family member who I found out later is also in photography. It may vary from state to state.
Sorry for such a long post but hope this helps.

 

[CCericola]

I am by no means a portrait/maternity photographer BUT when I do take clients who want senior photos ect ect I do the best I can but I never get attached to the images because I know this is not what I do and I did the best I could. As goofy as it sounds thats just the way I am, Ive had a few clients like HORRIBLE photos IMHO but I didn't care because the check cleared, they were happy and they told friends and family so my rep was actually helped. (btw if that didnt make any since its because I am Hammered )

Totally get it. It is the same in the graphic design field. If they want comic sans and nothing I can say will change their mind then fine, here is the product with comic sans. I just don't use that project in my portfolio, the end.

 

[ronlane]

Totally get it. It is the same in the graphic design field. If they want comic sans and nothing I can say will change their mind then fine, here is the product with comic sans. I just don't use that project in my portfolio, the end.

So are you prejudice against comic sans?

 

[CCericola]

Me and Comic Sans, we don't get along

 

[o hey tyler]

So are you prejudice against comic sans?

How could you not be?

 

[Nahin]

You can able to post anything as you want, actually you will shoot that. But have no idea is she agree or don't. If consider and prior her opinion then discuss with her what you woild like to doing.