Hello, i’ve been a photographer for sometime now. I have my own instagram page, my own equipment, and i have already posted a bunch. Recently i got hired at an event agency (photo/video) and i get to shoot most of their events (parties, weddings… you name it)
My problem is as follows: They want me to use their editing style (presets and colors) and put their logo on everything i take. I understand that those are their clients and hence they have their brand to show. But the real problem is that even the pictures i take myself, outside work, let’s say i call a friend out or take pics of my girlfriend and want to post them on my page, they won’t let me post without their presets as well (for marketing purposes) and to associate me with them.
I really hate this, because i can’t be creative anymore.
They pay really good money, so idk what to do.
How would you guys handle this?
Yeah, no. You legally own the copyright to ALL of your photos unless you sign off on them. For example, when I shot for our newspaper, I would submit several for a story. The ones they published became the property of the newspaper. The photos they did NOT use were still mine.
Same with wedding photos. My clients signed a contract that gave them the right to reproduce or publish them as long as they gave me attribution and used only quality labs for reprints. I agreed to only use them to promote my photography business in a respectful, tasteful way. They were thrilled to be featured in my portfolio.
Sorry they’re blackmailing you with your own images. There are plenty of decent non-profit, PR & marketing firms looking for freelancers. They pay well. Happy shooting!