Copyrights:
This is very important, for any photographer who takes pride in their intellectual property.
Many enthusiasts which just started photography, all do not hold their shots too dear. Afterall, they just started, they might be thinking: what skill do they actually feel they have?
My advice to these enthusiasts is to consider that your photos are important, because
- Time is taken to create the shots.
- Time is taken to improve your skill.
- Money is invested in your camera.
- The shots are your memories, or your view of a matter.
Together, they actually do have value. Even if you think your shot sucks, if the Public Relations think it is good, it has a monetary value. It is not a far stretch to say that every shot is worth something.
How you and others view it, will decide its value.
How does copyright come into play then? Knowing your rights prevent people from taking advantage of you.
Consider a following case: A photographer in the industry, who has consistently produced works that are accepted and appreciated by others, decides to create a single photograph.
He can choose to:
- sell the photo
- use it for competition
In the case where the copyrights are transferred to the competition organiser, the photographer cannot sell the photo any more, nor use it for other competitions any more. The photo will be the property of the organiser, even if the photograph does not win any prize.
In this case, the photographer might be better off selling the photo.
This is merely a hypothetical situation. Personal preference and how one views their work will play a larger role and may not reflect the same views as mentioned.
Here is an example of a copyright being transferred to the organiser.
All entries become the property of Keppel Land who shall enjoy all rights attached to such entries including the right but not the obligation to use or reproduce them and the names of all participants for any marketing, publicity or promotional purposes. The entries will not be returned and may not be acknowledged. Keppel Land shall also enjoy the right to publish. All participants are deemed to have agreed to give Keppel Land a non-exclusive license to use or publish their entries. Each participant is deemed to consent to such use with no monetary payment.
As highlighted, once the rights are transferred over to the organiser, the photographer cannot use the image any more. It no longer becomes the property of the photographer.
An example of a copyright which still remains to the photographer
All images shot during the workshop remain the property of the individual photographers. The organisers
request that photographers waive the rights to payment when they are used for related marketing purposes.
Which in my opinion, is a more balanced and fair condition towards the photographer. We can understand that the photos do have value, allowing the organiser to use them, will benefit them. So long as the rights belong to us, we can submit it for other competitions, or for other uses such as sales.
I hope that this short walkthrough will give a rough idea and assist the photographer to make an informed decision. Ultimately, different competitions cater to different needs,
but do understand what you are signing up first and protect yourself.