Fort Worth Zoo Photo Contest....

[Bill Huber]

Got this in an email from the Froth Worth Zoo today.

Zoom Lens Photo Contest
June 1 to July 31, 2006

Calling all photographers! The Fort Worth Zoo is looking for new photos of our animals. Take pictures throughout the park, and submit them for a chance to win prizes awarded in three categories: Mammals, Birds and Reptiles & Amphibians. Grab your camera, and head to the Zoo today! CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL RULES.
http://www.fortworthzoo.org/visit/pd...st%20Rules.pdf


Zoom Lens Agreement (PDF)
http://www.fortworthzoo.org/visit/pdf/Agreement.pdf

Fax agreement to: 817/759-7501 attn: Brandon Nielsen; OR
Mail agreement to: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy. Fort Worth, TX 76110
attn: Brandon Nielsen.

[Abel]

Thread is being re-opened and all posts have been deleted.

This is great information for those that want to participate, if anyone disagrees with the contest then simply move on to another thread.

[MRCPix]

I will be submitting a couple of photo's just because I like them.

[brad]

In an effort to avoid the argument that dominated the other thread.. let me try to phrase it in a more friendly and purely informative way.

As with any contest, make sure you read the rules and realize what you are giving them and that its what you want to do. This contest is like many, and the contest holder can use all the photos submitted in any way they want, including resale. Whether this is something an individual photographer wants to do is entirely up to them... just be aware that this is what that "becomes property" clause means.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by brad

In an effort to avoid the argument that dominated the other thread.. let me try to phrase it in a more friendly and purely informative way.

As with any contest, make sure you read the rules and realize what you are giving them and that its what you want to do. This contest is like many, and the contest holder can use all the photos submitted in any way they want, including resale. Whether this is something an individual photographer wants to do is entirely up to them... just be aware that this is what that "becomes property" clause means.

Well put.

I must say, however, I was enjoying the lurking I was doing in the old thread.

[jeffkohn]

This contest is like many, and the contest holder can use all the photos submitted in any way they want, including resale.

I missed the first thread, but from what I see in the rules linked above (PDF), this is not the case. I see no mention of the Zoo reselling/licensing images, it only says that the Zoo may use them for promotional uses. It also says that the photographer retains copyright.

As far as contests rules go this one look pretty benign. Also keep in mind any Zoo photos you may have taken have absolutely zero commericial value because you can't license them without a property release from the Zoo (which I'm guessing you're not going to get).

[brad]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

from what I see in the rules linked above (PDF), this is not the case. I see no mention of the Zoo reselling/licensing images, it only says that the Zoo may use them for promotional uses. It also says that the photographer retains copyright.

Yes, but there are these two statements in the two different PDFs:

All entries will become the property of Fort Worth Zoo.

By entering the contest, entrants grant the Fort Worth Zoo the right to publish and use submitted photographs in print or electronic form for advertising and promotion of the zoo, for exhibition, and for commercial products, including but not limited to Fort Worth Zoo publications.

Its that "for commercial products" part that could be interpreted in such a way that would let them resell the image.. on posters, t-shirts, or whatever else they want to call a commercial product. I don't know that they would do it, but they could.

[Jake]

Is this thread slowly getting back to where it was when it got locked?

[brad]

No, Jake. It is entirely up to the photographer on whether or not they want to enter any contest. Just trying to keep people informed on what they are signing up for... it was a good point in the old thread... and needed to be made again, only without the name calling and arguments... and yes, I was complicit in that.. hitting "Post" before thinking it through.

[Detonate]

I'd say you've said your peace.

It's really up to the individual to read the rules and decide for themselves. Everyone here is an adult and can decide for themselves without the need for extra commentary.

[Jeff_Green]

Thank you. As photographers, if we enter a contest without understanding the rules and regulations and stipulations then it's our own fault. Surely we don't need anyone to read to us anymore. Enter the contest! Don't enter the contest! Who cares!

Abel allowed this thread to be opened again WITHOUT all the drama. Don't start it back up again.

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by brad

Yes, but there are these two statements in the two different PDFs:

Note they use the word "entries", not "photos". I think the meaning of this statement is that they are telling you they will not return the materials you send them. Interpreting this to mean they would own all rights to the pictures doesn't coincide with the statement specifically stating that the photographer retains copyright.

Bottom line, you are granting them rights to use the image for commercial use but that doesn't mean they have the right to resell the image rights, that's something very different. If this bothers you then by all means abstain from entering; but like I said, zoo photos have zero commercial value to the photographer anyways because you can't use them without a release. So it's not like you're losing anything.

[chenology]

Read in "Agreement"
"6. Reproduction rights and Liabilities: Fort Worth Zoo reserves the right to use all entries and reproductions thereof for the purpose of promoting and supporting the Zoo without payment or services to the photographer. The copyright, however, will remain with the photographer... all entries will become property of Fort Worth Zoo. Photographs taken at the Zoo may not be commercially used without the Zoo's written consent.."
when they say "commercial products" in the contest rules, i'm sure it's for Zoo products. not the original image - that would still be copyrighted by the photographer.

[Wendyp]

How funny. I was just at the zoo Tuesday and went to membership office to ask if they accepted photographs from the many photographers that practice their shooting there. The guy gave me the pr number, but I haven't called yet. He did tell me they have a couple employees who are also photographers who shoot stuff for special stories, otherwise they have quite a stock of photos already.

I just thought that if they could use a few images, it would be one way to thank them for their very generous policy regarding photography at the zoo. If they wanted to, they could restrict tripod, or "pro" photography, but they do not. If they publish a photo of mine and give me credit, I'll take it. It would be one more tear sheet to add to my portfolio.

[brad]

That's cool, Wendy.. I've done the same thing. I gave them a cd with images from the last couple of years.. and a letter telling them they could use them for any purpose other than commercial. I'm sure that's what they'll tell you when you call.. that they take donations, just make sure to include a letter that explicitly states what rights they have to the photos.