Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Are "celebrity" portraits from photos valid?

Chris Saper · 04-14-2002, 11:17 AM

Hi Juan,

I would also be happy to drop out some of the legalese...the likelihood of actually needing to do battle in court is so remote, that I don't particularly worry. In a practical sese, even if I have the permission on file, if I will be using someone's image, I would always go to the courtesy of letting them know. Not only does this further build our relationship, they are generally quite thrilled, want a copy of the ad, and will tell all their friends.

I think that one of the main values in getting the permission signed, is that you have a chance to tell the client clearly what you may want to do with their image, and it's good communication.

The fact is (I can see many of you cringe), I still do not work with a contract. During the course of eleven years and about 250 portraits, I've only been burned two times, and neither of the circumstances would have been changed by having a contract in place. This is not to say I haven't tightened up my payment policies, and I do offer written clarification about fees and expectations.

Chris

04-14-2002, 11:17 AM	#27
Chris Saper SENIOR MODERATOR SOG Member FT Professional, Author '03 Finalist, PSofATL '02 Finalist, PSofATL '02 1st Place, WCSPA '01 Honors, WCSPA Featured in Artists Mag. Joined: Jun 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,481	Hi Juan, I would also be happy to drop out some of the legalese...the likelihood of actually needing to do battle in court is so remote, that I don't particularly worry. In a practical sese, even if I have the permission on file, if I will be using someone's image, I would always go to the courtesy of letting them know. Not only does this further build our relationship, they are generally quite thrilled, want a copy of the ad, and will tell all their friends. I think that one of the main values in getting the permission signed, is that you have a chance to tell the client clearly what you may want to do with their image, and it's good communication. The fact is (I can see many of you cringe), I still do not work with a contract. During the course of eleven years and about 250 portraits, I've only been burned two times, and neither of the circumstances would have been changed by having a contract in place. This is not to say I haven't tightened up my payment policies, and I do offer written clarification about fees and expectations. Chris __________________ www.ChrisSaper.com