Please…Don’t Photograph My Crafts!

Having someone (generally a stranger) photograph their crafts and original designs without permission concerns many artisans.  In today’s electronic world, with cell phones that can take a photo unobtrusively in a second, this becomes an even greater concern. 

Image: sxc.hu

In addition, the picture taker can almost instantly place these photos on a site/blog or send to another person.  Even signs around your display, “Please do not take photos,” won’t deter some people.  These signs may even spur them on as a challenge.

With today’s ease in photography and the disregard (or ignorance) of copyright, most crafts aren’t safe from copying.  Print magazines still adhere to the legal terms of copyright and getting permission to post photos and designs.  However, while some Internet publishers are aware, the general public often isn’t or figures there’s no way of an artisan following up if the photos are used and designs copied. 

Also, photos of you may appear on the Internet.  This might be to your benefit if it publicizes your business and art.  However, it is nice to know beforehand if it’s going to happen.

This is something to be aware of…that your designs aren’t safe from copying or being posted on the Internet.  Sometimes you don’t mind if it publicizes you.  Other times it can mean infringement of your ownership. 

What can you do?  What have you done when this happens?