Pilfered Magazine: Stealing Copyrights

Lets start with the definition of the word pilfer:

-make off with belongings of others

-In criminal law, theft (also known as stealing or filching) is the illegal taking of another person's property without that person's freely-given consent

-To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft

Pilfered Magazine is an online magazine who's sole purpose is to collect work from artists without their permission and without intent to compensate for usage & put it into magazine form to share with the world. The professional photographic community is disturbed and furious, calling the company a Napster for photography.

The first question I asked myself when I heard was, "How are they getting away with it?" After doing some research, I found that so far they have been able to get away with it by putting all liability on the general public. Common folk search on the web for their favorite images and submit them to the magazine. This, in theory, puts all liability on the person who initially found and submitted the work to the magazine. Unfortunately, common folk do not know or understand copyright law, especially with the newer Creative Commons Licenses making them think that all creative media on the web is free to take, share, and use for any purpose.

John Harrington wrote about this issue on his blog. It was a great read with some solid points. He points out that the magazine is extremely supportive of stealing copyrights from artists, but in turn doesn't want anyone to offer their own format or copyrights for people to use. Their privacy policy page states several "Prohibited Uses", including not using their site or services to transmit content which would cause distress on any other person, including unlawful material which would infringe on a copyright, or other lawful material. Sorry Pilfered, you cannot have it both ways. (Get more of the details at John Harrington's blog.)

For now, the online magazine is still up and running. If some of the larger photography pros have their way, it won't be up too much longer.

-Betsy

www.betsyhansen.com

Canon 5D Recall

For any of the Canon users who own and are using the Canon 5D, there is a recall out for the camera. Apparently the glue used to holds the mirror inside the camera can detach due to "deterioration in the strength of the adhesive". If your mirror has detached, you will not be able to see through your view finder. If you own the 5D, you can contact Canon at: 1-800-OK-CANON.

Link to their service notice: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=215&modelid=11933&keycode=2112&id=55659

Model Sessions Workshop: Win a Modeling Contract!!

Model Sessions is a jam-packed day of modeling instruction for the upcomming modeling professional. All model must-haves will be covered, from posing like a pro during a photo shoot, to working with an agent, to portfolios, to what to have in your model bag, to having a jaw dropping walk on the runway.

Along with priceless knowledge, attendees will receive two retouched 8x12 images from Betsy Hansen Photography for their modeling portfolio along with an opportunity to receive a modeling contract with AbFab Modeling Agency in Central Florida.

Your day will include the following sessions:

-A lecture from modeling agent, Jane Rooney, on all professional model do’s and don’ts, including how to show up to a casting, what to include in your model bag, the professional industry & breaking through, and much more.

-Professional runway coaching by Victoria Berard, who just returned from being on contract in Asia.

-Makeup applied by Lena G Creative Designs Inc & her Team.

-A live photoshoot and demonstration from Betsy Hansen Photography.

-Professional clothing designer and stylist, Kendall Rowsey, styling you for your photo shoot.

-Your own personal photo shoot with photographer Betsy Hansen. You will be on a live set shooting with all of the knowledge you have gathered throughout the day to create an amazing image for your portfolio.

-Posing coaching during your photo shoot from Victoria.

This is a very rare workshop that brings everything a professional model needs to know all in one place. Registration for this event is $245. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all workshop attendees. One attendee will walk away with a modeling contract with AbFab Modeling Agency. Seats are limited for this event, so register now by emailing studio@betsyhansen.com!

2009 Retouching Scandals

Reports are in that 2009 is going down as the year of retouching scandals.

Recently the cover of W Magazine was missing a portion of Demi Moore's hip. Also, not long ago, a Ralf Lauren model was carved down almost to oblivion. In an interview by Betty Sze, pro retoucher Jason Tuchman of Pistol Studios says that retouching mishaps are occurring because of client budgets and time constraints. Junior in house retouchers are getting the big projects, when the senior retouchers are the ones who should be doing the work.

Get more of the behind the scenes of the professional retouching industry interview here.

PDN promotes South Florida Photographers

There was an exciting positive promotion piece in PDN online this month about Miami and it's fantastic location for photographers and production photography. This is good news for other Florida photographers because it seems that we are sometimes overlooked. Clients fly their own photographers down for shoots, and somehow forget that there are amazing photographers in Florida too. The article reviews the numerous favorite locations for shooting outdoors throughout south Florida and the benefits of a tropical weather year-round. Popular area photographers such as Gio Alma, Brian Smith, and John Loomis all contributed their insights about the area. The article also highlights must-do activities for creative professionals.

Read the full article here.

Art Basel Miami 2009

Where: Miami, FL

When: December 3-6, 2009

What: Art Basel Miami is the leading art show in the United States. It is the sister show to Art Basel Switzerland. The show includes an international selection of top galleries and an exciting program of special exhibitions. 250 galleries and over 2,000 artists from 5 continents will be exhibiting at this years show. For tickets or more information visit: www.artbaselmiamibeach.com.

Microstock: Good vs. Evil

There is a big discussion going on right now in the photo world on whether microstock is good or evil for the present-day photographer. The discussion started with a controversial blog post written by John Harrington. In the blog, John discusses his opinion on what the microstock market has done to the existing photographic market, comparing it to pollution and illegal drug circles.

I have to say that I do agree with John in the sense that microstock has "polluted" the current photographic markets, which were once revered and respected. The fact that you can get an image for a penny doesn't sit well with photographers who are actually trying to feed a family and pay for a roof over their heads.

From where I sit, I see the future of the professional photographer being a part-time-only gig. There are only 24 hours in a day, and at least half of those hours have to be spent sleeping or doing other daily activities. Let's do the math; At a penny each, a photographer would have to sell four thousand photographs each month in order to make $2,000 per month. That is if you have a nice stock agency who only takes 50% of each sale. A photographer can't cover business expenses and personal expenses with only $2,000 each month. I spend, on average, several thousand a year on equipment upgrades, software, business licenses, insurance, etc. So in order to cover expenses and make $4,000 a month, a photographer would have to sell eight thousand images per month.

8000. It's impossible to shoot, retouch, categorize, keyword, submit, and update the number of images needed to sell eight thousand images a month.

The market is at a point now where there is no turning back either. I used to hear people say, "When people realize the value of a photographer and their knowledge the market will turn around." That's not going to happen. Digital photography is too accessible & there are enough people out there who know how to read a manual.

It is what it is and only time will tell what will happen with microstock and the present day photographer. Just make sure to keep on your toes.

V A Modeling Contest

Ford Models and V Magazine are teaming up for a second year in a row to hold their V A Modeling Contest. It is a global modeling contest in search of the next classic female beauty with a twist. Judges for the competition will award the winner with a photo fashion spread in V Magazine and a contract with Ford Models.

Lea Groesland was the V A Contest winner from 2009. You can view more of her photos at http://www.fordmodels.com.

You can submit photos and apply online for this year's contest here.