Stoo 46 Posted November 7, 2014 (edited) I have been in a bit of a discussion with an individual over the past few weeks. She wanted to purchase a series of my prints, as canvas mounted things. Nice... I am not by any stretch a high-priced pro shooter, but I figure I need the cost of the prints (obviously), a little compensation for the time to prep the files and coordinate with the lab, and a token amount to put toward my ridiculously expensive camera, boat, time, expertise, risking my life in frigid water (drama added intentionally). I arbitrarily figured an extra $50 a print, or $150 in total, plus the prints. She balked, I lost interest. She came back and asked again. I quoted the same cost. She said she couldn't afford it. I said, "ok". Then I suggested she could look at either smaller prints (she wanted 30" x 40"), or perhaps a photopaper, mounted to Gatorfoam or something, which I could have done for half the price... Nope, she wanted, 30" x 40" linen, gallery mounts bla, bla, bla. I mumbled something about "Champagne taste, beer budget". So two weeks goes by, and she has just emailed me: "Hi Stu. I wondered if you had decided to the prints for the price I can afford. I like them and I would prefer to go through you to get them, but if you won't do them for less money, I will just get them done myself. I an (sic) get them done for a lot less at (ABC Camera) anyway" I replied pointing out that the lab I use prints 9 colours and ABC prints 5 and won't do nearly as nice a job... and oh, ya you need a file. I presume she's thinking she'll lift the image from my FB page or someplace, ignore the watermark and Bob's yer uncle. I didn't take the bait, but pointed out that (a) that would be a direct infringement of my copyright, (b) that ABC Camera is owned by a guy who knows me well, and he was the one who referred me to the other lab because he just couldn't get the blue greens right, and most importantly © the 78 Kb file she can grab from FB, might render a "bit" of a course print. But here is where I need your advice... I am tempted to call my friend at ABC Camera, and explain what is going on, and tell him that when she comes in, he should feel free to make the prints, but that he should insist on payment in advance... and advise her that the files were too small. My bet is that she will insist that he go ahead... Would that be sporting of me, or in bad taste? I couldn't give rodents hindquarters about doing these prints for her, but I do have the opportunity to teach her a lesson about the evils of stealing someones images! What say ye, fellow starving shooters? Edited November 7, 2014 by Stoo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Markosixty6 8 Posted November 8, 2014 Some people only learn from a good BURNNNNNNNNNNNNN id make sure of it SD Marko 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poliwog 4 Posted November 8, 2014 You might be asking your friend at the lab to place himself in legal jeopardy by printing those files she lifted. This may or may not blow itself up into something a whole lot bigger, but if it does, he could be held liable for copyright infringement as well. If it did go to court, he would undoubtedly be called as an accessory to the infringement. He would definitely have to have legal representation which would be costly. Some, if not most, photo labs have policies about printing files that do not belong to you and if your friend is a reputable printer, he will probably have a similar policy in place. This individual that wants your prints for nothing is just thinking about herself and not you. I would cut her loose and have nothing more to do with her if I were you. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glasseye Snapper 70 Posted November 8, 2014 (edited) You have been entirely reasonable and remarkably patient. I suggest you yourself let the ABC guy print your huge perfect files just the way she wanted them and put them on the wall in his shop for $750 each. When she sees them she will come running back and gladly pay your asking price plus postage Bart Edited November 8, 2014 by Glasseye Snapper 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stoo 46 Posted December 3, 2014 I like Bart's suggestion the best, but no fool would pay that for them would they? (Mind you, I had a show at a National Park Centre this summer and sold several 8 x 12s in Walmart frames for $195 a piece. No accounting for some people's tastes...) Just a follow up to this, she has decided to do some of the prints now, and some later, at the price I asked for. I'm meeting her on Friday... Hopefully she has her wallet! Thanks for the advice guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glasseye Snapper 70 Posted December 4, 2014 Just in time for Xmas. Congrats, Bart Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tangfish 7 Posted December 11, 2014 Wow. You are a kind and patient person, and I'm glad I haven't met someone like that woman. She sounds like a real piece of work. How did she discover your photos in the first place, Facebook? Just wondering if she's a friend of a friend and still talked to you like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stoo 46 Posted March 7, 2015 She's the partner of the guy in the shot... who I dive with on occassion. I've only met her once... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
