Client asked to submit photo for contest

[TootysMom]

I just posted up some sneak peek shots for a client on my blog earlier this week from a session we had on Sunday. She just emailed me today to find out if she could submit that picture to a magazine for a photo contest. (this was a picture of her 9mo old daughter in a ladybug costume). My contract specifies that I own the images. However, the pkg she purchased receives 2 files on CD with a personal print release...not commercial. What should I do...say heck no..didn't you read your contract? :) Or should I allow her to, but she has to keep my watermark...or just let her do it?

[T. Adam Martin]

If she wants it, then offer to sell the rights to her for a happy price. Read the fine print though: when you enter public, commercial photo contests, the copyright usually transfers to the entity operating the contest. You will be giving up all your rights.

[brad]

You might read this before you say anything....

Understanding Five Types of Photo Contests | Black Star Rising Photography Blog http://retwt.me/16tuc

[CaptainTom]

most contests require the submission to be by the photographer, not the subject. Otherwise, I could send in a photo taken by anyone just so I could win the prize.

[Jessica Merritt]

As Mr. Martin said, there's a good chance that by submitting to the contest, the contest gets to do a rights grab on your work (although since she doesn't have a license to actually submit the work to them, they shouldn't be able to...but there's still some damage).

My personal reaction would be...absolutely no (with a nice explanation of why). Or if she pushes for it, she's going to have to pay good money.

[T. Adam Martin]

Originally Posted by Jessica Merritt

As Mr. Martin said ...

Mr. Martin is my father.

Also, took a look at your website and say hello to your husband from a fellow alum. Go Buffs!

And since I don't want to leave you out of the web bonding, I too like beer.

[TootysMom]

Thanks everyone for your advice. My client understood and was okay with not being able to submit the photo...I just hope I don't find out later that she submitted it anyway.