• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • History
    • Culture
    • My Life
      • Equestrian Family
        • Twins
  • Equestrian Style
    • Makeup
    • Fashion
    • Equestrian Care
      • Fitness
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Riding
    • Trail Rides
    • F#
    • Vintage
    • Saint Simeon: “Pony Man”
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Reviews
    • Apparel
    • Horse Tack
    • Movies
  • Shop
  • About

An Equestrian Life

horse in a pasture
Equestrian Lifestyle, Photography
/
July 29, 2020

DM for Credit

I am on Instagram a lot. I like visuals, and it’s the perfect platform for me. 

I keep seeing this over and over again, usually on those accounts that “feature” other user’s photos, but also on businesses, like @theecofriendlyhorse. 

“DM for Credit”

They found a picture they liked, decided to completely ignore the copywrite and posted it for their own purposes with no credit. They are thinking they are doing the right thing by mentioning they will give credit if someone requests it, but why does the copywrite owner need to be the one to track down this illegal usage? Illegal activity is okay as long as no one complains?

In the US, the copywrite of a photograph belongs to the person who took the photograph, regardless of the subject. So if I take a picture of my horse, it’s my photo. If I take a picture of your horse, it’s my photo. I own the copywrite. If you want to use the photo, you need my permission.

You are not supposed to use my photograph without permission. I’m not even talking about simply giving credit – just USING the photo without my permission is not okay. Saying you’ll give credit if I call you out on it does not make it okay. It is not my responsibly to guard my photos from you, it’s your responsibly to do the right thing. 

You can’t, however, just pull images off the internet – it’s your responsibility to determine if and how you can use the image without violating copyright.

Every image – whether you find it on Google, social media or on a stock photo site – gains copyright as soon as it’s created, and it’s up to you to know whether or not you have legal right to use it.

The consequences of violating copyright (even accidentally) are serious.

Those found guilty of copyright violation could face charges up to $150,000 for each infringement.

Should a case go to trial, a party found guilty of copyright infringement is also responsible for all attorney fees and court costs.

Search Engine Journal

Chances are it wouldn’t go to trial – The photographer would ask for it to be removed, and the person would likely comply. But still, these people are breaking the law, and pretending they don’t know where they found a photo (was it in a USB just sitting on the side of the road? A lost photo with no home?).

When I see it on those collection instagram accounts, I assume it’s just a teenager running the account who doesn’t know any better. When I see it on a business, it’s cringe worthy and unprofessional. Seriously, just take the two seconds to DM the owner of the photo and ASK if you can use their photo. Or even in the comments. Why is it so difficult to acknowledge and give credit to a photographer who’s photo you apparently like? 

I know social media has blurred the lines a bit. It’s a platform where we are supposed to share things we like. If you’re just a user sharing another photo, I think that’s wonderful and fine, just credit where you found it. I’ve had my photos shared by users and honestly, it’s thrilling that someone else likes my photo. 

However, if you’re a business, you’re clearly trying to get out of PAYING for a photo. So for those businesses who don’t want to pay the pennies required for a stock photo, here’s a tip – there’s places where you can get photos royalty free and credit free, like the creative commons. Look it up. Those photos are donated, don’t need credits, and you can do whatever you want with them. And then you won’t be breaking the law and looking like a jerk. Or you could also just ASK to use a photo, because chances are the user would be thrilled someone liked their photo. And everyone appreciates getting credit for their work. 

Seriously, just do the right thing. 

1 Comment
Share

You May Also Like

August 21, 2023

The Galloping Horse Photos – How the Motion of the Horse Was Discovered

September 5, 2018

I’m Not Dead

July 14, 2017

The Bloodlines of F#

  • Joan
    July 29, 2020

    Did they use one of your photos?

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
The Brief – July 24, 2020
Next Post
Baby’s First Pony Ride
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

equestrian, blogger, photographer, creater.

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Horse Care

social media, youtube, or memories

Record Your Rides
product_title_1

Insta360 X3

product_title_2

Insta360 Flow

product_title_3

Insta360 GO 2

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video
Subscribe to My Channel

Recent Posts

  • portrait of Catherine the Great

    Catherine the Great, Horse Girl

    September 21, 2023
  • chestnut horse wearing bridle without noseband

    The Different Styles of English Bridles

    September 20, 2023
  • line up of classic books

    The Greatest Horse Books of All Time

    September 18, 2023

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. Thank you for clicking them as it really helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

…
  • Home
  • About

Copyright © 2023 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.