Editorial

I’ve got some photos of the Seattle Space Needle. Will these be acceptable for the collection here at PhotoDune?

Is there a possible Editorial section in the future?

Any admins or staff have thoughts on this?

Hey Stemlund, sorry about the slow response!!

We do indeed have some plans for editorial stock for things like news-related photography (e.g. a picture of a riot), but are working on the licensing of such photos – because frankly I have no idea how that works!!!

In terms of being able to sell photos of the Space Needle, I have a feeling it’s a building that you would need a Location Release for. You can grab one from This Wiki Page. I guess you’d take it to the building to find someone appropriate to sign off.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the insight, Collis. I wonder if a photo of the Seattle skyline would be acceptable. Anyone know if skylines are allowed of any city?

Stemlund….it’s complicated.

Certain things are subject to copyright and cannot be included as a MAIN FOCUS . However, they can be included in, for example, a skyline scene.

If certain things are the main focus they require property releases for commercial photography and RF licenses. Remember, all RF = commercial.

Allowed: Cityscapes including the Seattle Space Needle are allowed. If the Space Needle is NOT the primary subject of the photo, it is permitted for use in RF stock imagery.

Best option is always to contact or web-search for the website dealing with individual locations.

When a property owner is especially litigious it is best to avoid it all together and shoot elsewhere. Saves a lot of heartache, headaches and pains in the ass.

When it comes to Rights Managed photography it is different again. Some people will license an RM image and use commercially, others editorially. So within any RM licensing area there should be a tick box for people that says “this image can only be used editorially”, otherwise things can get pretty awkward legally.

HTH

Thanks for the insight HTH , I’d not thought of the editorial usage scenario as being different. Makes good sense

Hi there!! how could i proceed with a self-portrait or for pictures of my daughter? Do i fill a release form too? is it possible to notice it in the ’’message to the reviewer’’?? I submitted a picture of a nice bridge last week….the reviewer refused it telling me that i needed a release, Do i really contact the municipality for this?!

For Royalty Free with any person you need signed Model Releases (even yourself).

With other subjects it depends. A bridge should be OK depending whether or not it has existing copyright or other restrictions. Tower Bridge (London), Sydney Harbour Bridge (Aus) and other should be fine without a release.

Remember, generally speaking, Royalty Free is best suited to generic subject matter (no releases needed), property with Property Releases or people with Model Releases.

Because RF will be used commercially, you cannot use someone else’s intellectual property, trademark or copyright for it.

Hope that helps.

hothoundz said
Stemlund….it’s complicated.

Certain things are subject to copyright and cannot be included as a MAIN FOCUS . However, they can be included in, for example, a skyline scene.

If certain things are the main focus they require property releases for commercial photography and RF licenses. Remember, all RF = commercial.

Allowed: Cityscapes including the Seattle Space Needle are allowed. If the Space Needle is NOT the primary subject of the photo, it is permitted for use in RF stock imagery.

Best option is always to contact or web-search for the website dealing with individual locations.

When a property owner is especially litigious it is best to avoid it all together and shoot elsewhere. Saves a lot of heartache, headaches and pains in the ass.

When it comes to Rights Managed photography it is different again. Some people will license an RM image and use commercially, others editorially. So within any RM licensing area there should be a tick box for people that says “this image can only be used editorially”, otherwise things can get pretty awkward legally.

HTH

Being a photographer from Seattle I see images of the Space Needle for sale everyday around the metro area and worldwide. I sell images of the Needle and to my knowledge there has never been any type of complaint or litigation by the company against any images being sold of the Needle, either by me or any other photographer. “Stock” photos might be a different case. I’m not a lawyer.

There is a difference if you sell a print (Fine Art) or a commercial licensee.