In the past, a photographer's portfolio was a physical collection of prints and you had to go into their studio to see it.

NOW, photographers can easily create a professional looking portfolio online, for all the world to see. The problem with this is, it becomes effortless to save an image to your own computer, effectively "stealing" that photographer's property.

Instead of pasting an unsightly watermark in the middle of all my images, I intentionally use a very faint watermark and simply ask that you please respect a photographer's property.



(Photo by Jeff More, used with permission)

I love to see you feature your favorite photo on your blog, and BRIDES, I love to let you use YOUR wedding photos on your blog, myspace etc... All I ask is that you contact me first and let me know what you want to do!

Of course I must (and WILL) pursue legal action if you take a photo and try to call it your own, or use it commercially without licensing it from me first. Duh.

However, I am willing to go to great lengths to help you use one of my images! As a rule of thumb, internet usage with a photo credit is usually free, without a photo credit is just a couple bucks, and high-resolution printed usage is competitively affordable. You see, I make a living shooting weddings and events, so I don't need to make bank on the small handful of nature photos I take.

So please don't steal. You'd be surprised how easily word can get back to the photographer when this happens...

Take care!

-Matt-