Stealing Images for Blog _ I am calling you out http://weddingphotographerdallas.com/

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by DSL_PWR

I hate to say this but that is the internet folks. Once you put it out there, copyrighted or not, someone is going to copy, paste, cut, steal, alter, etc anything they can get their hands on and it seems these days that there is nothing you can do about it. Which is too bad.

I have seen a lot of nice art, pictures, posters, graphics, etc, copied and used elsewhere including my own business logo and letter head logo.

So I know how it is.

So, are you saying that we should just shut up about it ?
Murder and mayhem occur all the time but doesn't mean the good guys should
turn their backs and keep their eyes closed...

[ThePhilosopher]

I'm with Tom yet again - next time you're in Houston I owe you a drink.

[CaptainTom]

I don't intend to be confrontational. Just trying to bring out the reality as well.

[DSL_PWR]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

So, are you saying that we should just shut up about it ?
Murder and mayhem occur all the time but doesn't mean the good guys should
turn their backs and keep their eyes closed...

Did I say that? No... Just seems that more and more the 'good guys' are done wrong and there is little to no recourse that can be achieved to make things right.

Just telling you what I know from experience as well. I tried to go after the people that did me wrong. Cost me a lot of money, time, wasted energy and I got no where with it.

I am just very careful about what I put out there now. Hence why I don't post photos anymore, have locked my clinic websites so that right clicking to save anything is impossible and have other protections in place. But no matter what you do to try to protect your images, copyright materials and watermark stuff those that 'want' it will still find a way.

The only people you can count on are the honest ones, the rest will find a way no matter what.

I wish there was something more that could be done but laws don't protect us like they should. You have to pick your battles.

If he can do something about those that took his work then more power to him. I hope that he gets the outcome that he wants from both his actions and this post.

[DSL_PWR]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I don't intend to be confrontational. Just trying to bring out the reality as well.

I know this and that is fine. We all value input and I was just trying to point out the rather obvious about things this day and age.

No harm no foul.

[toverman]

For me, the theft of content is bad but worse is that it deceives would-be clients who are going to end up thoroughly disappointed. I must've missed a boat somewhere, because it never occurred to me to use someone else's photos on my Web site. I want people to know who I am and what I do!

[Gambit]

Has anyone here seeing copies of their work tried sending a DMCA takedown notice to the offender's ISP? Would get the attention of the site owner, I'd think.

How to Send a DMCA Takedown Notice | Black Star Rising

[Dobick]

In this case I think the theft of images takes a back seat to someone promoting photo services with work that is not their own.

[KD5NRH]

Gee, that site and Tineye can keep you busy for a while.

Dallas Bridal Portrait Photography left side image
5 results - TinEye

dallas-wedding-photographers.jpg (image)
1 result - TinEye

http://www.weddingphotographerdallas...magery-400.jpg
1 result - TinEye

He must travel a lot:
http://www.weddingphotographerdallas...uopredhead.jpg
Taringa! - El hotel mas caro

[heard03]

Disclaimer: I have never registered a copyright, this is what I've learned from listening to podcasts.
Of course, every time you press the shutter button you are creating a copyrighted work. However, unless you register that image with the Library of Congress your recourse in the event of a copyright infringement is negligible. Scott Bourne of Photofocus says that a lawyer won't even bother with seeking compensation for you unless you have that copyright on file with the Library of Congress. If you do have it on file, you have serious weight behind a take down notice, ability to seek payment for the use, damages, etc. I imagine filing copyrights would be part of regular work flow for some TPFers and perhaps there is an old thread with tips on how best to do it.
I would also hope that the presence of thieves on the net wouldn't discourage folks from sharing their work. Sharing your work is a huge part of photography and it would be a shame to miss out for fear of a sleazy minority.

[Rson]

What a difference a day makes....all have been removed.

[ChristopherCoy]

....dammit! Gone before I could call Fox 4 "On Your Side"....

[Steelsun]

Well their actual website ( ) was designed by Covenant Designs ( Covenant Designs Strategic Marketing Communicions - Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Sedona, Phoenix ), and if you look at their contact number for Dallas/Houston ( 214-703-0360 ), it is the same number as on the wedding site (also the same number as on the whois for the wedding site)

The whois has an address, and owner info is available online: DCAD: Residential Acct Detail

They also have a part of the Covenant site devoted to their photography services ( Covenant Designs Commercial Professional Digital Photographer Photography Photographers Studio - Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Sedona, Phoenix ), which is alot more than wedding.
Maybe search those portfolios for more infringed photos.

It would be a good idea to contact some of the photogs who have been ripped off and report this to them.
Maybe someone in the area, especially an infringed photog, should pay them a visit?

For info on ownership of the company, see here:
ROAM
and
Sales Taxpayer Detail

Unfortunately I do not have a subscription to the Texas SoS database to check for Covenant Designs LLP, but the comptroller does not have it listed (which happens at least 1/2 the time for LLP and LLC) and an archive database of franchise reports I have does not list it.
I do have California and Nevada though (since they list studios in each state), and neither show a Covenant Designs LLP listed there, so they may be violating the business & tax laws of those states.

[Steelsun]

I like the irony of this quote on their Covenant site:

INTEGRITY

Integrity plays an important role, especially in the faith based business world. Our goal is to not only meet the expectations of the industry, but to set a standard of integrity that will serve as an example to both Christian and secular businesses.

(Note: this is not copyright infringement for me to put this here since it meets the fair use exception for a quote in media or satire)

[WarrenG]

How fitting. Sadly, I have had to deal with Mark in an indirect way through one of my new clients, and all I can say is what a shame that he is not able to put his talents to better use instead of shaming our profession. I am so NOT surprised about this post.

There is legal action underway in Dallas County against this photographer.