Music on Websites

[MulberryLane]

Do I need to worry about copy right issues if I put a song on my website? I know a lot of other photographers are doing it... but what's the protocol? Just don't want to get into trouble.

[redhale]

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a lawyer.

Technically, yes, you do need to consider copyright issues. I seriously doubt the copyright owner of a popular song would bother with a lawsuit against a small photography firm; however, you would be acting illegally if you do not own the rights to the song.

While I'm at it, I would be remiss not to urge you not to use music on your site. It is incredibly annoying to be browsing the web at work, school, even at home, and arrive at a site with background music playing. I typically just close the browser window, not bothering to look for a "mute" button.

Adding music to your site really adds no real value to your site, while adding a great deal of annoyance for many users, not to mention the illegality of it in the first place.

[MulberryLane]

I actually agree with you Ryan! But, I have had so many people tell me lately that they would like to see a little music on my site (I have a slide show on the home page- I guess a lot of folks probably do). I added it today, but I also made the "off" switch pretty obvious. We'll see how it goes. I can always take it off really simply.

Other opinions? I see so many photographers with music on their site. Just trying to get a feel for it.

[Hikin' Mike]

Originally Posted by MulberryLane

I actually agree with you Ryan! But, I have had so many people tell me lately that they would like to see a little music on my site (I have a slide show on the home page- I guess a lot of folks probably do). I added it today, but I also made the "off" switch pretty obvious. We'll see how it goes. I can always take it off really simply.

Other opinions? I see so many photographers with music on their site. Just trying to get a feel for it.

Why not have it OFF by default? If you want music, then turn it ON.

I would say you need permission to use somebody elses' music. Me personally, I leave if I hear music...period.

[BWangPhoto]

You ABSOLUTELY need a license to use an artist's music on your site. Period. It is completely un-ethical to steal someones work and use it without paying. I am sure you would be upset if someone used your images without paying for them...

Who cares what other photographers do? I, personally prefer to be ethical and honest.

[Shelby Lane]

There are plenty of royalty free options out there. Try redbeardmusic.com and stock20.com. Yes, you do need a license or permission directly from the artist to play music on your site... just like someone would need a license or your permission to use one of your images to promote their business.

Shelby Lane added 2 Minutes and 53 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by MulberryLane

But, I have had so many people tell me lately that they would like to see a little music on my site (I have a slide show on the home page- I guess a lot of folks probably do). I added it today, but I also made the "off" switch pretty obvious. We'll see how it goes. I can always take it off really simply.

The on or off is a personal issue... if it's part of your marketing plan, music can work really well with your images to create a mood. The way I see it: if people don't like that my site has music playing and leave instead of just hitting the "off" button, then they're probably not who I'm marketing to, anyway. It seems to be a really personal issue with photographers on this board, just like whether your site should be flash or old-school HTML, LOL.

[MulberryLane]

Thanks for the feedback, guys! I tried putting music up for a couple hours. It was annoying to me, so I took it down. lol. Guess I answered my own question!

[sldi]

So would a music site not post pictures?

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by sldi

So would a music site not post pictures?

Not MY pictures, without a release from ME.


I have music. It's a love/hate thing. I'm building emotion along with my photos.
I am now one step ahead of those who don't use music. Differentiation is the key to getting a clients attention.

No music = boring
loud and raucous music = annoying
soft and sexy = sales

[danchez]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

No music = boring
loud and raucous music = annoying
soft and sexy = sales

what if you are specializing in children photography, you want soft and sexy?!?

just given you crap Capt.

[ldelacruz]

No music = boring
loud and raucous music = annoying
soft and sexy = sales

Tom,
I am a bit confused? I thought you were taking about your web site until I got to the soft and sexy part. Are you referring to yourself or your web site with the statement above?

[texkam]

I hate websites with music. There, I said it. :)

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

Tom,
I am a bit confused? I thought you were taking about your web site until I got to the soft and sexy part. Are you referring to yourself or your web site with the statement above?

Yes !

[mtyler24]

Add me too the not liking music on sites too!

[MHampton]

Music on a web site *almost* automatically gets the back button from me.