Using people's photos - what would work for you?

[ColoradoSkier]

I am starting to develop plans for incorporating other people's images into the website at http://www.aaacolorado.com

This isn't you normal thing though, as my budget for doing this is non-existent. As such, I am looking at other ways to give people credit for the images we use (and we would only use pictures that people submit to us). I am thinking that, initially at least, I would have a "photography" page on the site, with links back to the websites of the people who submit photos that we use. That should be easy enough to manage. In fact, I have done this on another website using images I found on Flickr via the Creative Commons license (I did contact the photographer first to ask about using the photo, even though the CC license just required attribution). It seemed to be enough for the photographer.

I am on the fence about this. I would love it if my own photos sold, but I don't do it for the money, and when someone asks, I am flattered and usually the link is enough for me.

What do you think?

[RJsfun]

If you can make ANY money doing something you enjoy, it's worth it.
If you can feel pride from something you love, indulge.
I think that is a good idea.

[Pinky & the Jeep]

Where you get into trouble here is the difference between a hobbyist and a professional. I'm not going get into how technically adept either one is, but instead for the sake of this argument, a professional is one who makes their living off of photography, and a hobbyist is one who makes their living elsewhere, having nothing to do with skill or passion.

I say do whatever you want to as long as you have the shooters permission.
I have a friend who posted an image on flickr that was then traken and used in a newspaper article in Sri Lanka without permission. Just make sure you have permission. Having submissions is a good way, but you really need to cover yourself in the copy write area because a professional will not be happy to find their work posted somewhere without permission.

Good luck. J

[thenimirra]

your idea is sorta like what I've been trying to do with the new monthly assignment on my blog.

To give other photographers credit, I've asked that all submissions include a watermark and a link to their sites (if they have one). I think that works best

[ColoradoSkier]

I don't want watermarks in the pics (most are going to be cropped down to a fairly small size anyway), but I am glad you guys think this is viable.

Enough people have read this though, that I don't think all opinions are being represented. Good or bad, I want to hear it. I won't take it personal, so don't worry about that. Like I said, I am on the fence - push me either way people.

[Tiffany]

I don't do it for the money either Chester. I actually have FUN every time I go out and shoot a party or a club event. It actually gets me out of the house and out of my element and the money that comes from it is just a big bonus really.

When I go out and shoot the baseball games, I have so much fun that again, I don't care if a parent buys a print or not (they do which makes me smile that I could capture their kid in a great enough shot that they want to have it).

But....if a business wanted to start using my images on their site I might think a bit differently about things. Having a link back to my site is always welcomed, but if someone is profiting off my images, I would like it to be me.