[Raymo]

Hi Guys & Girls , I havnt been onsite for a while so just checking in with everone. On the subject of making a living out of photography I was just wondering if anyone could shed any light on the Copyright thing, as in the best way to go about it and also setting up your own website, IE can you set it up yourself or do you need to pay someone to do it, how much it costs and the general pro's and cons. Thanks in advance

[Markulous]

Copyright: it's yours, you can watermark your pics but it isn't going to stop anyone taking your pic

Website: write it yourself if you want something unique, tho there are a good number of sites that'll host your pics and have some halfway decent templates you can use to personalise things

HTH - a bit!

[VinnyP]

Adobe lightroom from I have seem so far takes a lot of the labour out of knocking up albums for websites and will also upload it etc. The home page is still down to you but a lot of pretty good templates are available.

[Dave Canon]

There are plenty of companies offering domain names and web space; I use Steamline.net

You can create your own website but again find plenty that will offer this service for a price. I learned the basics of creating a website over a weekend. However, it would take longer to become a real expert.

For photographs, copyright is automatic and valid for 70 years beyond the authors death. The copyright is established without needing to create a watermark etc. The key issues in copyright are:-

a. Ensure you have reasonable evidence of ownership (original fim or Raw files will help).
b. Do not place high definition copies on web sites.

If someone does "steal" one of you pictures, it will probably be a civil offence and you will need to sue the person for the profits they have made from your picture.

In order to sell pictures you will, of course have to send high definition versions to potential clients. The vast majority of businesses will not steal your pictures so just make sure that you are dealing with reputable businesses.

Dave

[Steve400]

Hi Raymo,

i was pretty much in the same situation as yourself a couple of years ago. I take motorsport photos but had nowhere to sell them untill my brother started web design and put up a basic website. Now i just downsize the photos and put a watermark on them. Id advise the watermark as people will just rightclick and save-as and print off the photos without asking or paying. It is the same with email customers who ask for samples for example, a driver asks for every shot of them at one event, always put the watermark on them. Lots of people can be trusted but a few can't as ive found out! Although im not making anywhere near a living out of photography i dont want to lose out on money that should be mine!

Business cards are good but a website is the ticket in my opinion! Basic online galleries are very handy to setup and update.

Hope that helps,
Steve