Photography Law - Copyright, Fair Use, Releases etc.

The first amendment guarantees freedom of speech. On the other hand, photographers want to have protection for the images they create. In a digital age it is increasingly difficult to balance the rights of individuals with those of artists. Issues involving intellectual property are not easily defined and often complex. Many image makers have concerns over issues such as copyright, fair use, model releases, creative commons and ownership of images, just to mention a few. This whole area of the law is far to complex to even begin a how-to discussion here. But there is a website that offers a wide variety of articles that may answer many basic questions photographers have concerning their images.

You can visit: http://rising.blackstar.com/category/photography-law to view dozens of articles written by lawyers and knowledgeable photographers on subjects related to the creation and uses of intellectual property. The articles cover basic information about a wide range of topics of interest to all image makers including those concerning model releases, fair use standards, copyright and ownership to name a few. These articles will help you understand the whole area of intellectual property better, so hopefully you won't have to hire a lawyer to explain it to you after the fact (with the caveat in any actual dispute these articles are no substitute for actual legal representation).

Hyper-Realism

Check out the following site for inspiration. However, keep in mind that it is not photography...the images are actually a form of painting called hyper-realism. I found it beautiful and inspirational and thought you would too.

http://www.recave.com/2010/07/amazing-hyper-realist-still-life-painters/

More Images from the Como Zoo

The following images from the Como Zoo photo shoot were sent in by Holly Kuchera:






Great images! thanks Holly, it was a wonderful day to get club members together.

Como Zoo Photo Shoot

Members of the Minneapolis Photographic Society and the Crosstown Camera Club were invited to attend an all day photo shoot at the Como Park Zoo recently by Holly Kuchera a member of both camera clubs. A fair number of members from both clubs, and one invited guest came out to shoot. As images from the participants come in we will post them here for all to enjoy. Below is the first batch and as you can tell I never made it to the animal exhibits, and Lars Michael went straight to them.

(Click on images below to view larger detail)


By Mark Karney:






By Lars Michael:




Lars is from the Crosstown Camera Club. This year he was awarded a "Competitor of the Year" trophy (tied with Steve Shor) for the member with the highest point total for images submitted to club salons for 2009-2010. Congratulations Lars and good job on your images at Como Zoo!

Look for more images to be posted soon.

It's time for something completely different

At the BMW factory in Munich, Germany a kinetic sculpture was installed that is truly remarkable. It consists of 714 metal spheres connected to thin metal wires that move and evolve into a variety of shapes. To check out the video of the final installation and the video that describes the making of this work of art go to: www.artcom.de/kinetik/

(Click on the image below to enlarge the images of this exhibit).




While this work of art does not involve photography it has something in common with it: both are pleasing to witness.

Happnings at the MPC

The Minneapolis Photo Center offers Tuesday Artist Talks featuring presentations by photographers of their work and ideas. On July 13th from 7:00 to 10:00 pm Amy Eckert will be speaking on her project "Manufactured Home".



Also, the MPC has scheduled an exhibit by Robi Chakraborty entitled "Stars of India: Its People and Places". The exhibit features a glimpse into the diverse landscape and people that make up this remarkable subcontinent. The opening reception will be held on July 23rd from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.





For more information, or directions to the MPC go to it's website located at: www.mplsphotocenter.com.