Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

AndrewCCM · **Stolen Images - Knew it was just a matter of time. -** 11-23-2008, 07:03 PM

http://www.bustedcoverage.com/?p=8887

[LEFT]

Apparently, this site makes it's money by lifting images and blogging about them while selling advertising.

No less than 6 or 7 of my images are blatantly stolen and attached/hosted by this site. I am not very happy about it and have contacted their parent company and the NHL (for whom I licensed the files to). Left a message on their PR firm's voicemail as well.

While I am sure nothing will come of it... I just hate seeing someone steal my images and placing them on such a cheesy/sleezy site.

Just venting. Thanks to a fellow TPF'r for alerting me about this.

a2rob · 11-23-2008, 07:38 PM

I had a lot mine stolen and posted on myspace. I am switching to Exposure Manager, I know that this will not prevent the theft, but change is your best option>

AndrewCCM · 08:37 PM

I have exposure manager. These were lifted from the Dallas Stars website which contracted me to shoot them....thus no watermark. So these clowns just take them, make it look like it's legit via a blog and sell web ads. I don't really care about personal Myspace images at all. What I care about is a company profiting from stealing my images.

I'll see what the Stars have to say about it Monday. I am not even certain they care particularly since it probably drives traffic to the site. But 'I' care...

ShaneKislack · 11-23-2008, 08:59 PM

I would like to see litigation precedents where the images were stolen and used editorially. How far does fair use go?

I know how we all think it should be...but I'd like to see actual rulings.

AndrewCCM · 11-23-2008, 09:03 PM

You and me both.

I even told my wife the other day.. Heck I wouldn't of minded if it wasn't blatantly a T&A site that is just there to steal "eye candy" to sell ads. Of course, they would just need to ask first. It's not like my company name isn't at the bottom of nearly every one of these photos on the NHL site.

PhotoByLeal · 11-23-2008, 09:19 PM

Andrew,

Those are some good pictures, who took those pictures?

Just kidding, I know you took them because I saw your thread.... I liked the pictures you shot!

Did you try to contact someone about the images on the site?

later,
angel m. leal jr.

AndrewCCM · 11-23-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I am not very happy about it and have contacted their parent company and the NHL (for whom I licensed the files to). Left a message on their PR firm's voicemail as well.

While I am sure nothing will come of it... I just hate seeing someone steal my images and placing them on such a cheesy/sleezy site.

Thanks Angel.. Yes I have.. Not going to lose any sleep over it though... Just venting a bit...

ramblinray · 11-23-2008, 10:12 PM

If they are profiting from use of you images and you have them copyrighted with the Gov., then you should have legal recourse and can get various types of damages from them. Check with an Intellectual Properties Attorney to see what your options are. When it costs them money to do what they do, then maybe these lowlifes will quit stealing our stuff.

photonewb · 11-24-2008, 06:23 AM

just an FYI...the linked website is blocked via websense and comes up as "Adult Content".

Just thought I'd let people know as I didn't think photos of hockey would be blocked when I clicked the link

a2rob · 11-24-2008, 06:50 AM

In future, Watermark your images, decrease the size and make them look crappy in your online gallery to prevent potential theft. (i know nothing can prevent screen capture) Never heard of anyone making money of someone else images though. Are you a member of PPA. I am sure that they would go after this outfit...

Jake · 11-24-2008, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2rob

In future, Watermark your images, decrease the size and make them look crappy in your online gallery to prevent potential theft. (i know nothing can prevent screen capture) Never heard of anyone making money of someone else images though. Are you a member of PPA. I am sure that they would go after this outfit...

That's wasn't an option in Andrew's case here. These were stolen from the Dallas Stars website, not Andrew's website.

Jake · 11-24-2008, 07:40 AM

BTW, congratulations Andrew! You made it to the big time

AndrewCCM · 11-24-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photonewb

just an FYI...the linked website is blocked via websense and comes up as "Adult Content".

Just thought I'd let people know as I didn't think photos of hockey would be blocked when I clicked the link

Exactly one of the reasons I am put off by this whole thing...Stolen images placed on a sleezy website.