Sticky business situation

[carrbowl]

Our neighborhood has an intranet set where they allow the community to have a message board, post classifieds, etc. When they have a community event, they take photos. Since the photos have stunk, I decided to volunteer and take photos for July 4th. They liked them so much (???) they want me to do them for more events and for another neighborhood very close by that is also owned by the same company. They have already done their budget for the year (big surprise) but will advertise my name on the website and give me credit for all the photos. Then next year they will budget the money. (We'll see bout that!) That's the background, now here lies the sticky situation. I've already taken a photo and a parent wants a copy. I'd like to be able to make some money from it. Is it the websites photo? or mine? or is this a discussion that needs to be made between us two??

[Wes]

I don't see anything here that indicates that you gave your copyright away so I don't see how the photo could belong to anyone but you.

[CobyPhoto]

Basically, it all depends upon the contract you do up and sign with the company. You can retain certain rights to the photos and the right to sell them, depending upon the way you word the contract.

No contract? Get one. Even if it simply states they can use the photos on the web for promotional purposes only (for no cost other than credit given to the photographer) and that you retain all other rights including the abilty to market and sell the images otherwise.

They shouldn't have a problem with you selling individual families copies as they will be changing and updating the website as things happen etc.

Bottom line is, get a contract or written agreement that both you and the company can adhere to. No surprises this way.

CJ

[zepp]

The image is yours to do what you choose to do with it. You do not mention having made a work made for hire agreement with them beforehand or a transfer of copyright afterward.