problem printing my own photos at Walmart - how to handle photo release?

[fan_of_small_world]

I know the best answer is "don't go there again," lol. Which, I admit, was my gut reaction as well.

However, Walmart is convenient for me, since I can usually pick up a few other things we need at home while I am there. It is especially convenient when I want a quick turn-around on my photos. (I have started using online printing services when time is not an issue.)

So, what can I print out and sign so they will let me have my own photos printed?

The background to my issue (and yes, this serves a double purpose as letting off steam, too)...

Yesterday afternoon I used Walmart's online service to order 5 pictures that I took myself of my kids.

For these photos, I had set up a pseudo-studio at home. I bought a black sheet, which I used painters' tape to hang up on the wall, achieving a nice drape effect. The kids were dressed in their nice Christmas clothes, and I happen to have nice black chairs for my kitchen table set, so I used one as a prop. Frankly, I was really happy with how the pictures turned out. And, yes, I understand that it did resemble a professional studio.

Anyway, as I was on my way to pick up the prints, I got a call from someone at the photo counter saying that they couldn't print them because they were "professional." I explained several times that I'd taken them myself, only to be told over and over agian that I needed a release from the photographer. I even said several times that I could bring in my camera and prove that I had taken the pictures myself. Again, she kept telling me that I needed to get the relsease. Finally, when I sarcastically asked whether I should just make one up since I WAS the photographer, she put me on hold and got a manager.

Guess what? When the manager got on the phone, the first thing she asked was whether I still had the pictures on my card and could I bring it in. Arrgh! That's what I had been asking of the first person! Anyway, after going through the card to find the shots I was ordering, they gave me my prints.

I understand, and fully respect, the need to protect professional photographers' work. What made me mad, though, was that the first person didn't know that bringing in my card would be sufficient for proof, nor did she offer me any other alternative to allow the printing of my own photos.

 

[DueyDooDah]

I have found in any support related service that most front-line staff have little knowledge or experience to handle anything out the the norm. If I run into one of these situations, such as yours, I frequently request to speak to their manager shortly into the conversation. That way it is easily diffused and the front-line employee may get a training session from the manager.

As for Walmart, I'd continue to have your processing done there if you're satisfied with their work. Don't let an undertrained staff member ruin your day or your need for convenience.

 

[Furgus]

Yet another reason I print my own, or send it to Mpix.com.

Sorry you had some much trouble, but I am glad you got it resolved.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Thanks. I won't let this incident keep me from using their service when I'm in a rush. And, if I still have the photo on my card, I'll just bring it in and show them.

I'm just wondering, though, if anyone can suggest what to do if I've already deleted the picture from the card. If I hadn't still had that, I'm not sure what kind of release would have been acceptable (and they weren't able to answer that question when I asked them).

 

[boBQuincy]

As I see it this problem is not limited to WalMart and in our litigious society more reprinters will be asking for release forms for any photo that looks good. Chances are any photo taken by a Disney photographer with your own camera will someday be suspect.

It looks like there are three choices: Go somewhere else; fight the good fight and speak to the manager; take the easy way out and give them a worthless release form.

The first option won't last long, we will eventually run out of places to go. The second option will introduce us to many clueless and ineffective company droids. Fun but time-consuming.

The third is selling out but sure is easy. A search for "photo copyright release form" will provide many links to such forms that can be modified for our use.

So many choices...

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I had looked at some of the copyright releases I found online, but they all list the name of the person allowed to make prints as well as the photopgrapher's name and signature. Maybe this is a stupid question, but wouldn't it look wierd to have a release authorizing me to print photos, signed by me?

I'm close to just making up a "stage name" for my photography and using that.

ETA...or is that exactly what boBQuincy was suggesting, and I'm just in too much of a getting-ready-for-Christmas fog to realize it, lol?

 

[crazydadguy]

On the other hand, they thought your photos looked awesome enough to think that you paid a professional to do it. Never turn down a free compliment .

 

[handicap18]

I had looked at some of the copyright releases I found online, but they all list the name of the person allowed to make prints as well as the photopgrapher's name and signature. Maybe this is a stupid question, but wouldn't it look wierd to have a release authorizing me to print photos, signed by me?

I'm close to just making up a "stage name" for my photography and using that.

ETA...or is that exactly what boBQuincy was suggesting, and I'm just in too much of a getting-ready-for-Christmas fog to realize it, lol?

Talk a napkin from the snack bar and sign it saying that you give yourself permission to have your photos printed.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

OK, so I need some good ideas for a "professional" name to "sign."

How about Ima Fotog? Or maybe Anita Print?

OK, so I'm not that creative. Someone out there must have better suggestions!

 

[MICKEY88]

walmart has the release form available in store, as well as online for download

the online form doesn't even have a spot for the photographer,






by filling out this form, you are stating that you own the copyright and also stating you will hold them harmless in case of legal suit,

they are basically covering their butts, if you aren't the copyright holder, and a photog sues them they can produce the release, showing that you claimed ownership, then you get sued...



another simple solution get some cheap "Freelance Photographer" business cards printed, next time hand them a card..


I just had a similar experience last week, I went to pick up some 8x10's that I had actually watermarked..the envelope was marked 'check copyright' so the clerk started to ask if I had a release form, I said nope, but I do have my business card, showing that I'm the photog that took thiose pics..

she smiled and apologized, saying she had to ask, I thanked her for asking and protecting my work..

you could actually print the cards yourself or get freebies from a company like vistaprint

 

[bumbershoot]

I wonder if it might help to take a picture of your home "studio", showing the drape and the chairs and the full setting, but also with the other parts of the room visible? That way you could show them where you were?

 

[ukcatfan]

You could also make sure that the EXIF has you as the owner of the photograph. It is unlikely that a professional will let you have the digital file without giving you free use of the image. A scanned print would not have EXIF, so you could point that out. I do not know what camera you use, but you could also point out that the camera model in the EXIF is not a pro model (unless it really is ).

Kevin

 

[pjacobi]

If you are smart enough to build a home studio and take a professional looking photo, why not buy a quality photo printer and print them out yourself? It's just not that difficult or expensive!

The time spent editing and printer photo will be much more productive than arguing with someone at Walmart.


-Paul

 

[MICKEY88]

You could also make sure that the EXIF has you as the owner of the photograph. It is unlikely that a professional will let you have the digital file without giving you free use of the image. A scanned print would not have EXIF, so you could point that out. I do not know what camera you use, but you could also point out that the camera model in the EXIF is not a pro model (unless it really is ).

Kevin

I'm not sure they can pull the exif with their printing machine if you upload the pic for printing..

a scanned print wouldn't have the exif, but a picture taken of a picture would have it...

realistically seeing the files in camera would prove nothing, you can scan a pic to your pc, then copy the file to your card..so I'm surprised they offered that way of proving the print was the OPs

the easiest way is doing the release they have online or business cards