For those of you who haven't already checked out this year's SB Independent wedding guide - get on it!

Our very own Mary Jane has several shots in it INCLUDING THE FRONT COVER!!! GREAT JOB JANEY!!!

To see her website Click Here!

They are all over town so be sure to pick one up!

Cheers!
DJ

Hello Photo Friends! I feel like I should introduce myself...because I've been MIA on the forum lately.... (maybe I'll add something to Introduce Yourself section...)

DJ...thanks...you are so sweet!

But, in leiu of all the excitement about being on the cover I was actually a little upset. The Independant took the liberty without asking to manipulate my photo. They added some funky rainbow colorization filter....and I personally think it misrepresents my work. It doesn't represent my style, vision or service. Legally speaking they are dealing with copyright issues, but just from an ethical standpoint, I just don't think it's right.

In this industry our imagery is what defiines us...it is our identity as a business. They took my wedding photo and made it into (maybe?) a cool Independant Cover...but is it really something a bride would look at and say, "Hmm, I want something like that in my wedding album!"

Anyway, what do ya'll think? I'm sure I'm being especially hard on it because I'm so close to it...but honestly what do you think? You won't hurt my feelings because I honestly think it looks awful..photoshopped to the max!!! Do you think a retraction would be in order? I'm definitlely thinking of asking for some considerable ad space for compensation.

Would love any input.

In the future, I will attach a delivery memo stipulating exactly what the photos can be used for and under what circumstances. I guess this can be a lesson for all of us!!!

I hope you are well. I love this forum. Sorry I had to vent. AHHHHH!!

God Bless and Feel Loved, Janey

First of all, congrats on the cover, that is awesome that they recognized you enough to put you there.

I would have to say, when I first saw the cover and realized it was your shot, I immediately didn't think it represented your style and was surprised that it was so different from your normal work. I'm glad to hear that this was not by your own choice.

I think it is awesome that you got the cover, but I have to agree, it appears they went a few miles too far in their own creative freedom.

Have you spoken to anyone there yet, or received any response?

I have been trying to get a hold of the editor in chief...not haven't been able to yet. But, I will persist until she meets with me...

But, nothing yet....

here's my opinion . . .

if they bought the images from you, then they can do whatever they want with them (unless your contract with them specifically stated otherwise).

if they simply borrowed your photos, then they should have kept them as-is, unless they were given permission by you to change them.

was there any wording in your agreement with them that covers manipulation to your photographs?

sorry for your predicament, but congrats on the exposure!

:: brian

Oh Janey -

...I'm so sorry to hear what they did and I'm curious to hear how they handle it. I'm guessing that they had you sign a release, but that's still lame that they didn't run a proof by you being that they altered your image quite a bit.

I usually really respect their artistic slant but I don't think they made a good choice this time and I imagine your image would've been better off had you had the final say.

...all that said - it's still published! And that's really what matters! The exposure is the key thing and for the most part people don't really know or care much about the photos! They buy YOU! ...and when they see that you're recognized, published, and respected in the industry they will be far more likely to pay for your services.

I'd suggest being cool with the Independent - yes, they screwed up, but don't burn the bridge.

Mary Jane,

I would be very upset as well, and definitely would need to vent. However, I agree with DJ, don't burn any bridges. Next time you get on the front cover:) just make sure that they understand that they are not to make any changes, for your work is beautiful left alone.

By the way congratulations,

Amy.......

 "Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,  holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Philippians 2:14-16

So our pastor taught on this on friday night and well it is a hard one to think about. We don't want our image messed with, but ultimately we are the image of Christ. Not trying to put anyone down here, just bring us back to the word of God.
Tricia

If you want to hear the message go to www.jesusisreality.org and Conor Wagner was the teacher, it was at Reality SB

Hey Janey!

Any word?

...btw - I love your new avator! - VERY CUTE!

-DJ™

DJ (trademark...love it!!)

Well, after all the excitement...when I stepped back and looked at the photo from a design standpoint...it sort of grew on me. (a little) I decided to just let it lie...no real harm was done.

But, it was funny because the designer said, "I just bumped up the contrast..." Well I don't know if he was on a caffeine high or what, but he took that curve to places I never have...

Anyway...like you said...I am just grateful for the exposure! But, in the future, I will remember to attach a delivery memo for terms of use. Simple.

Thanks everone for all of your advice...it was a tremendous help!

Ciao! Ciao! Janey