Should I allow people to use my photos for free to gain exposure? MUST READ!!

[KmH]

Just be aware that if the image is not registered with the federal US Copyright Office, the attorney won't be suing anyone. USC 17 § 411

 

[MLeeK]

Well, you can sue and win if it's not registered. It'll just cost you more to sue than you can recover seeing how you can't sue for attorney and court costs.

 

[GreatPhotoRace]

I think that guy/gal is full of it. But, to the point of this thread, once you've hit a certain level you should no longer give your work away to gain exposure. There are other ways to gain exposure without giving your talent away. Every time someone gives talent away, it takes away value from every other persons talent. It makes consumers feel like we shouldn't be paid for our skill. That has to stop.

 

[Noxire]

This comment is worth 1000$

I wrote it on a 1000$ computer.

 

[Compaq]

My comment is more valuable! I wrote with my hands that cooperated with my brain. That is experience, and experience is invaluable.

 

[KmH]

Well, you can sue and win if it's not registered. It'll just cost you more to sue than you can recover seeing how you can't sue for attorney and court costs.

From USC 17 411:

(b), no civil action for infringement of the copyright in any United States work shall be instituted until preregistration or registration of the copyright claim has been made in accordance with this title.

You have to register the copyright before federal court will accept the filing of an action.

 

[MTVision]

I think that guy/gal is full of it. But, to the point of this thread, once you've hit a certain level you should no longer give your work away to gain exposure. There are other ways to gain exposure without giving your talent away. Every time someone gives talent away, it takes away value from every other persons talent. It makes consumers feel like we shouldn't be paid for our skill. That has to stop.

I don't think the guy was taking about giving the work away. I think he was taking about using his work without permission. Kind of like the photo on this page ---> http://www.babble.com/crafts-activi...babbleeditors&utm_content=post&utm_medium=cpc. That belongs to Carrie Anne Miranda and was used without permission.