Dreamstime images locked in for 6 months?

helix7 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 05:30 AM

I just read in another forum that Dreamstime locks our images into their site for 6 months. In other words, you can't delete an image until it has been up for sale on their site for at least 6 months. Any truth to that?

It sure would make it difficult to sell the rights to an image should a buyer come along...

hatman · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 06:22 AM

I haven't looked at their terms and conditions for some time, but I believe the requirement is '70% of the portfolio must be retained at the agency for a minimum period of six months'.

This gives some flexibility, but does not allow anyone to suddenly shut their account.

e-person · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 08:29 AM

Yes, it's true, also for bigstockphoto, Featurepics, and others, although not always six months for all sites. Some of them require only three months.

Dreamstime will not allow you do delete any photos before six months, and only deactivate 30 percent of you photos with less than six months. And, considering they have one of the worst watermarks in the market, be very aware of that, before uploading some very good photos that would be instantly stolen.

For example, their watermark doesn't show at all on B/W photos. I have one of mine with hundreds of views and no downloads... :-)

helix7 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 12:56 PM

Wow. That is disturbing. At least they give you that 30% to cover any images that you might sell the rights to.

I'm always a bit weary of these sort of arrangements, though. It's one (of many) reasons I've stopped uploading to BSP. One of the big important factors in RF is that you retain the copyright. In these cases, the company is actually limiting your rights, essentially chipping away a bit at that copyright. They just use a nice little clause that says "It's only for 90 days" or "It's just for 6 months on 70% of your portfolio."

sharpshot · #5 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e-person

...And, considering they have one of the worst watermarks in the market, be very aware of that, before uploading some very good photos that would be instantly stolen.

For example, their watermark doesn't show at all on B/W photos. I have one of mine with hundreds of views and no downloads... :-)

Are you sure? My screen is a bit dark but If I turn up the brightness a bit, I can see the DT watermark very clearly, even on B&W images. They use a much smaller preview image than on some sites, so anyone stealing the image isn't going to be able to use it for much.

nativelight · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 02:41 PM

Albumo's terms state you must leave your images up for 400 days so even Dreamstime's 6 month limit seems minor in comparison. Be careful of what you submit there (Albumo).

Karimala · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2007, 03:23 PM

DT's decision to implement the 6 month requirement happened because some contributors kept removing their contest photos after the contests ended. DT explained they used contest photos in their advertising campaigns, and by the time the ads would run, some of the photos had already been removed. As a result, they received a lot of complaints from potential buyers who wanted those photos. Initially the requirement was for a full year, but contributors complained and DT compromised with the six month requirement.

e-person · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nativelight

Albumo's terms state you must leave your images up for 400 days so even Dreamstime's 6 month limit seems minor in comparison. Be careful of what you submit there (Albumo).

Albumo has a "Remove this photo" link in EDIT mode, so, whatever they might state, they still allow you to remove it at any time, as it should be. So it does Shutterstock, iStock, LO, 123RF, Fotolia, and maybe others.

nativelight · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 05:23 PM

Thanks! I didn't know that. I haven't paid much attention to Albumo since I first uploaded my images. I only go out there 1-2 times a week just to see if there has been a sale (none so far).

Karimala · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 06:06 PM

Unfortunately, Albumo has a limit on how many photos you can remove. One per day.