Stealing.... SO not cool

[Nena2007]

It was brought to my attention by a photog in Austin that a photog here in Houston has been stealing my marketing materials and verbiage... not to mention badly replicating my images... we are talking exact posing and locations.

I'm pissed.....beyond belief!!! Not sure if it is appropriate to share any more information or if anyone has any advice (besides contacting them.... doing that now).

GRRRRRR

[Colyn]

Originally Posted by Nena2007

It was brought to my attention by a photog in Austin that a photog here in Houston has been stealing my marketing materials and verbiage... not to mention badly replicating my images... we are talking exact posing and locations.

Is this person stealing your personal property or just plagiarizing your work?

Plagiarism is common today in part because many people are too lazy to come up with their own material etc. But can you take legal action against this person? Only if he/she is taking your own personal material that you created..

If he is copying your posing techniques with his/her own models there is nothing you can do about it since no law is being violated. This person can legally take his/her own models to the same places and replicate the same poses you shot again without violating the law.

[Nena2007]

Colyn - No i get that, you set it up like mine, nothing I can do about that, you push the shutter, its your work. I'm talking about, in addition to copying that stuff, she is copying and pasting wording.... for example, I ran a facebook contest back in March, sent out a long email detailing how to enter, vote etc, she copy and pasted the entire email adding in her own info and sending it out on facebook and her blog.

I am sure there is nothing that can be done legally, but It just makes me SO angry!

[Colyn]

Originally Posted by Nena2007

I'm talking about, in addition to copying that stuff, she is copying and pasting wording.... for example, I ran a facebook contest back in March, sent out a long email detailing how to enter, vote etc, she copy and pasted the entire email adding in her own info and sending it out on facebook and her blog.

I am sure there is nothing that can be done legally, but It just makes me SO angry!

People like this seldom last long in the business since they lack the skills needed to market their work. At some point they will be forced into a situation and because of the lack of skills will fall flat on their face. I've seen it happen many times.

If you did try to take legal action it would probably cost you more than it is worth. But you can legally post notice on your site(s) warning others that she is plagiarizing you..

[brewercm]

Originally Posted by Colyn

People like this seldom last long in the business since they lack the skills needed to market their work

Not to mention if they are too lazy to do their own work on even the advertising verbiage they are probably too lazy to make it in the business. Just like any business it'll take hard work and many hours to become profitable and even semi-successful.

[texxter]

Looks like an opportunity to update your marketing materials and your portfolio and make them even better, peeling yourself up above those who need to copy. Probably a more productive redirection of the negative energy that photographer's actions is creating.

[kayumangi]

I agree with Paco, take it as a compliment. Heck if I were you I'd even post on my blog stating the fact and even a link to the said site thanking them for their flattery.

[Cajungaltx]

lol - I'm glad I'm not familiar with you...cause a few of your posted sessions we've shot in the exact same spots...

it's frustrating - that's for sure.

One of my friends up north had a similar issue - and she point blank contacted the person and told them to stop otherwise she would discuss with her attorney what she needed to do.

Copying is the most sincere form of flattery...except in marketing of course... ;-) But without them touching base with you and at least asking (something I've done, and been given the okay for!) permission to utilize something they see/enjoyed on your site/photos - it's just piss poor manners in my book.

[janikphoto]

Put out a brochure offering to sodomize your clients at no extra charge and see if he copies it. If he does, it is sure to drive him out of business! Of course, you will be jobless, too... maybe not such a great plan, after all.

[camera shy]

I'd recommend giving her a call or email and say you are flattered, but please don't plagarize (sp) your work any more.

[markfh]

sure would be nice to know who this scumbag, errr... person is.

[Nena2007]

Thanks for all of your help!

Holly- I see you are in Katy too... there are only so many places to shoot, that I get, but we are talking exact images... maybe I should put some side by side and post :)

I did contact her, professionally but also direct, she appologized and then said she felt my tone was uncalled for.... anyway, I wrote back answering some questions she had about exact instances and then when she responded I just let it be. Not going to get in an email fight with her. The really sad thing, is shes a former client. As you can imagine, the demanding type, the one you can rarley please.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and opinions!