eBook DIY Legal Kit – The Prequel review
Some of you may have read my previous review, what do you mean no? You can read it here.
This new kit from CannonBlogger.com is a prequel to the previous book which empowered photographer’s with many of the forms they might need to help them legally should the day arise. This new kit I view as the missing link from that kit, it explains why you might have a need for these legal documents and when you may want to consider using them.
Before we dive into the contents of the kit, I think it is important to again stop and reflect on the situation we are in today. Instantly your images can be seen and used around the World, now you might not be able to stop people from taking them and using them against your will but you can empower yourself to wield the legal resources available to you and try to get paid for your work or at least stop it from being used without permission.
Now on to the kit.
First up is a discussion on copyright, an area often of much confusion. The chapter explains the basics starting with the reminder that a photograph is yours from the moment you take it, you own it! However there are more steps to be taken when it comes to protecting it. I suggest reading this chapter many times so you are aware at least of the general ideas of copyright.
Fair use comes next, a topic we see discussed much in these times not only with photographs but computer software, music and most things that exist on the Internet including this very post I would suspect.
Right to privacy makes for an interesting discussion, there appears to be different rules around the World but here at least in America we should not consider ourselves or anyone else to have privacy when in a public place, this is how those photographers that love to get in the faces of strangers in places like New York are able to get away with it. There are many catches though and should still be considered carefully when photographing in public places.
Licensing is another area we should all consider very carefully, even though you agree to let someone use your image you must decide how, where and what for. Often this takes place in contracts and is something best left to those who understand all the legal repercussions to help you make sure you are covered in a way you desire.
Towards the end of the kit you will find a lot of useful information on model releases, this is something I suspect most have or will encounter should they desire to sell images. For example stock libraries will require you to show you have all the rights to an image of a person you have shot and a model release signed by them.
Yet again CanonBlogger.com has shown dedication in delivering for us an informative and detailed guide through an area many of us do not wish to think about or allow to get in the way of our passion for taking pictures. I recommend this kit to all, indeed if you make money from your photographs both kits are required reading to get you on the path to legal coverage and support.
Disclaimer
This review is not by someone with legal skills or understanding and merely opinion. I recommend you seek legal advice for yourself and your images. I have not been paid or otherwise influenced when reviewing the items mentioned in this document.
