A short story for everyone
Im based in the UK and own a web design company. Donkeys years ago (4 to be precise) some designers I hired stole some images from getty without telling me, and used them in the creation of a website for a client.
Before hiring them, I went through all the usual stuff, ie the Do's and Dont's of design, my rules and terms, including the "never steal images" speech. But still, they went and stole 4 small thumbnails, thumbs which belonged to rights managed images, and did this behind my back.
4 years later (last month) I heard from getty, who came after my client, and they wanted ?7.5k (about $13k) for 4 images used as rights managed images, over 4 years.
I cant say I learned from the experience, because I didnt. I stopped working with the designers responsible for the theft years ago, of course I felt let down, but I now employ far better more trustworthy reliable guys, whom I like and get on well with. There is a lesson to be learned about cutting corners. Although my what happened to me was just unfortunate, the bottom line is that we all work hard for our money. And anyone who wants a piece should righlty pay for our work.
So im doing the right thing, and paying getty this month on behalf of my client. Im a stand up guy, and dont see why my client should have to pay for images we stole - the responsibility is afterall... mine.
I also bought my first SLR last month (30D) and have enjoyed learning how to do the basics so far, and it is the events above which got me interested in stock photography. I cant say how long my enthusiasm for stock will remain, but Im enjoying it imensely so far, and hope to be a shutterbug till the end of my days 8)
So - how did everyone else get into photography, and stock? :wink:
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