Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Call for Photos
I happened to be up when the earthquake hit Japan this morning, and watched the first of the tsunami waves hit the shoreline. I've been riveted since, as I'm sure most of you have. We all offer our solidarity with the people of Japan and hope for the best possible outcome.
I'm writing this because as per usual, the news outlets are asking for free photos and videos from witnesses, a practice that has unfortunately become commonplace. DON"T GIVE YOUR WORK FOR FREE! I don't know how many times I can say this. You will lose all rights to your work if you give it over to the newspapers or cable TV outlets. Remember, they have money, make them pay you and retain your rights.
If they no longer have bureaus and staff to cover these events, don't be so willing to be their unpaid staff. You can put your work out in ways for yourself, or you can approach the news outlets and ask for payment with retention of rights to your images.
It's important that these multi-million dollar news companies start to be told NO. Their staff is paid, make them pay you.
I'm writing this because as per usual, the news outlets are asking for free photos and videos from witnesses, a practice that has unfortunately become commonplace. DON"T GIVE YOUR WORK FOR FREE! I don't know how many times I can say this. You will lose all rights to your work if you give it over to the newspapers or cable TV outlets. Remember, they have money, make them pay you and retain your rights.
If they no longer have bureaus and staff to cover these events, don't be so willing to be their unpaid staff. You can put your work out in ways for yourself, or you can approach the news outlets and ask for payment with retention of rights to your images.
It's important that these multi-million dollar news companies start to be told NO. Their staff is paid, make them pay you.
Labels: citizen journalism, japan earthquake, stella kramer, stellazine, tsunami, unpaid photography, working for free
posted by Stella Kramer at
1:33 PM
4 Comments:
THANK YOU for posting this GREAT advice !!!
Hopefully enough people will now follow your excellent thoughts.
David (a photographer that worked with you on many assignments in the past)
It seems to be getting worse with news outlets wanting all of their imaging for free.
Ametures don't understand how giving away their images impacts professionals. It seems like rates keep dropping and people are willing to pay less becausee of them.
Hell. Yes.
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it
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