Did the Internet Kill the Photography Star? by Linda Shantz

Image reproduced by kind permission of the artist Linda Shantz



The progression of the internet has been both a blessing and a curse to artists. On the plus side, we are able to reach a much larger audience with our work, and do more marketing on our own than the old days. The negative is that sharing our work online – through websites, blogs, and social media – makes us vulnerable to image theft. One of my artist friends, Michelle Grant, likes to say, “You can die of exposure,” and when it comes to the internet, it’s very nearly true!

Image theft has become a huge problem for artists and photographers. Just in case you don’t know, grabbing someone else’s photos (by right-clicking or doing a screen capture, that sort of thing) and sharing it with your friends is more than wrong – it’s illegal. We artists are usually nice people, but this sort of thing makes us rabid. We hate appearing as ogres. It’s really not in our nature. We’d rather be creating new work than chasing after infringers. We try to be gentle about educating people, but it’s frustrating, when so many are oblivious. The thing is, it’s hurtful to us. It threatens our livelihood. It robs us of the control of our rights.

In one recent situation, an individual on Facebook has gathered an album of photographs from all over the internet. He claims he is just sharing them with his friends – which, or course, still doesn’t make it right. He hasn’t received permission from any of the professional photographers whose work he’s posted. Some of the images have obvious copyright watermarks on them. He may think this is innocent, but just as he grabbed these images, one, or many, of his friends may now do the same. We know how viral the internet is. In no time at all, an image can be used in various contexts, none of which have been authorized by the actual creator.

I know a number of horse show photographers who are considering no longer shooting events, because so many people now just steal images from their websites – blatantly watermarked as a copyrighted proof. It makes me sad when I see this. Perhaps they don’t realize that in most cases, show photographers don’t get paid for being at a show – they rely on the sale of prints to pay for their time. Or maybe people don’t think we need show photographers anymore, seeing as everyone and their three-month old kid has a digital SLR these days.

The thing is, it only takes a moment to send an email and ask permission. We like to hear from people who like our art. Take the time to start up a dialogue – you never know what might come of it. Depending on the situation, the artist or photographer may be happy to have you share their work. Or consider sharing the image in context – the entre blog post, or website, so that others can not only see the image that you have enjoyed, but more of the artist’s work.

We don’t want to stop showing our work online. We don’t want to have to plaster our images with lengthy copyright declarations, like my example above, so that you can’t even see the artwork (and by the way, all the information in that diatribe is true). We need everyone’s help to educate on copyright law so that there is greater understanding. So pass it on. Artists everywhere will thank you!

Please feel free to share this blog post!!



Guest blogger Linda Shantz is a self-taught artist, specializing in horse and animal portraits. Her background is primarily in Thoroughbred racing, for which she still holds a passion. You should take a moment to check out her equine oils...just yumm!
Linda also train dogs professionaly, both basic home obedience and competitive work. This also really means her canine oils are yummy too!
Interested in finding more about Linda's art world you can find her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Shantz/
as well as follow her studio blog http://lindashantz.blogspot.com/

Comments

All true, both in the photographic department and the art department. The internet is killing us.
I will share this blog post, thank you!
Sheona, this is a very good post. I will share it most definitely!
Linda really has got a great idea there. It is so true, the internet is a blessing and problem all at the same time. The unfortunate thing is the ones who really need to see her post and take it to heart, won't!! Having said that we will still all do our part to stop it.
Unknown said…
Gail and STudio at the Farm, great to know. Sharing and spreading the word is something we all have to do. Thank- you!
Wendy you are right I'm sure 99% of my readers are all too aware of the problem and don't need eductating. Fingers crossed though it has reached and converted at least one or two people;)
Even we have had images taken !
Unknown said…
Wiz I'm sorry to hear that, it is all linked I'm sure to the fact that you are irresistably cute :D
Pet Portraits said…
Linda really has got a great idea there. It is so true, the internet is a blessing and problem all at the same time. Thanks sharing...

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