I am glad you admit to your mistakes. There has to be a consequence to any action. (This is the lesson that you should really walk away with) All of us make mistakes in our lives, one way or the other. Initially, I too was very angry even though it does not involve me. Until one of the cs guy, said" he does not want to go for blood". I understood that and it changed my perspective.
It is the learning of the mistake that is important. You have to work out with the photographers involved on the consequence that you have to face. Be responsible, approach them, meet them and apologize in person. I understand that if indeed you are student, you will have problems settling the compensation if they really sue. However, you must be mentally prepared that you probably have to pay them for using their works. (even if it is a token compensation, as this will really help you to learn the consequence of your action , work out on payment periods and so on) But I am sure if you are really sincere and remorseful, perhaps the photographers involved can work out an arrangement with you.
To those photographers whose works were used, I know my words mean nothing. An 18 years old (if indeed he is), deserve a second chance in life. All of us do. Nonetheless, like I stated above, he has to learn with the consequence and you have to affirm your rights to your works. But we can all work it out between the two and find a way out of this, so that we dun destroy the life of an 18 years old and yet a strong signal is sent out on the such acts.
Please, to the photographers who are involved. give the man a chance to work something out with you all. Help him to learn this life lesson. At least listen to what he has to propose to you all. "That's the spirit of the Yellow Ribbon Project" isn't it?
Last word to Joe: Please do not see the compensation negatively or as a form of punishment. See it from the other point of view, you are paying them because you have used their works. And more importanly, sometimes we learn really hard when it hurts us where it hurts most. Look at it as you are paying for a life lesson.
I know, I probably going to be flamed by many. But still I decide to post this. Cause I believe in second chance in life
All of us deserve a second look in life.:love1: