understanding your digital image files

When I get the dvd of images, does that mean I own the copyright?
No. According to  federal law, I retain the copyright to every image I take, and copyright ownership cannot be sold. When you purchase the files, you receive the images on a DVD, plus a signed written release that gives you permission to use the images for certain purposes, such as making prints or other photo products, posting on a website, facebook, blog, or for personal use. The release is specific to the person or persons purchasing the files only, and cannot be duplicated for others’ use.

I have a business …may I use my session images on my website or etsy store?
I do ask that you not use your images for anything commercial without my approval, this includes business-based websites and etsy stores.  However, if you would like to use an image for that purpose, send me an email…I usually say yes.

Can I burn a copy of the images for my Great Aunt Edna?
No. Your print release applies only to you. Emailing the web ready files to Aunt Edna is fine…sending prints to her is fine, but Aunt Edna is not entitled to print the images herself.

I love one of your images, but I think it would look better in black and white…I can just fix that in Photoshop, right?
I take great care in editing each image in a way that I feel compliments the image and hold true to my particular style. Beyond re-sizing  and cropping, I appreciate you not altering these images in any type of image editing software program. If you would like an image to be changed from black and white to color (or vice versa) please ask me, and I would be happy to do that for you.

Do you have a recommendation on a place for me to get prints?
I recommend mpix.com. They have fast turn around, competitive pricing, and do quality prints. I do not recommend Wal Mart or most one hour photo services….not even a little. I also can not stress enough, the importance of using a print lab that allows you to preview the crop for the print size you have selected. When printing, please be aware that some crops are not full frame and will cause certain portions of your image to be cut off. This is especially true when cropping to 8×10. Always use the preview tool, or you could end up with a bunch of prints with tops of heads missing. Also, if your printer gives you the option, ask them to not auto-correct or run auto-color on your images.

I lost my dvd. Can you give me a new copy?
Maybe. I do archive client sessions for a reasonable amount of time…..but these images were an investment–please make sure to create a back-up copy of them.  I do not guarantee the ability to provide you with another copy, should this one be lost or damaged, and there is a fee for a new copy, if I can. So, please remember to take precautions in safeguarding your digital files. Make a back-up copy for yourself in a couple of different places.  I suggest making a copy of your DVD, storing the images on an external hard drive, and/or uploading them to an online service that keeps your files safe.

The sneak peek of my images on facebook had your double scoop watermark on them. Will the images on my DVD have that as well?
No. Neither the ready to print large files or the smaller web ready files will be watermarked. When using images online, giving proper image credit is appreciated.