Today I was angered to find my images from a shoot I did with Emma Rigby are being sold on eBay as prints by a seller sloggers112011. I have only noticed this today and God Knows how long this has been going on! Their are many other shots of celebrities being sold I can’t verify whether the seller has permission so Photographers and Agents check out this seller!
Not only is it illegal to sell photos without consent of the subject, but it’s OBVIOUSLY illegal to sell photos that you do not even own the copyright to.
I post full-resolution photos on my Flickr so people can see them full size, so clients can save them from there instead of dealing with email sometimes, and so you guys (fans) CAN save them for your own personal use. If you want to put it as your computer background, go for it! Hey, if you want to print one for Emma to autograph, that’s still okay with me.
If you’re ever see someone that’s selling photos of an actor or band, PLEASE support the artist (and photographer) and do NOT buy one. Please inform the person doing the selling that what they are doing is illegal, and if caught, they could face legal action. Or if you really want to help, try to get their name and any contact information first, and THEN tell them that what they’re doing is illegal, and that you will report them to the photographer or acting agent if they do not stop. It’s really not worth it to make a few quid on some pictures, right!
I apologize for the really long rant, but honestly, I could totally be making a great deal of cash if I sold prints of Emma Rigby and but I don’t because I literally can’t. The fact that someone else is doing it with MY photos really, really upsets me, and you (the fans) shouldn’t let it happen.
I have reported the seller to eBay today using a NOCI FORM (Notice of Claimed Infringement), and will be taking steps via small claims against the seller.
