So just a few days ago, I wrote about a complete stranger wanting to take a picture of my daughter while we were out shopping.  Ironically enough, just a couple days after writing about that experience, I read another blogger’s post about how their Christmas card picture was “stolen” from somewhere on the net and used as an advertisement in another country!  

This person made the point that maybe, just maybe, she should be flattered that her family was beautiful enough to be used in such an advertisement, but it was a nonetheless creepy situation.  So what do you do?  Do you allow them to use your photo or do you approach the advertising company and demand compensation?

If someone came up to you while you were out shopping and asked if they could photograph your family for an advertisement, what would you say?  I would say, “How much are you going to pay me?”.  And then I would say, “Yes!”.  I do what I have to in these economic times to provide for my family…

So now the decision comes when someone you know informs you that your photo is being used illegally in another country.  I personally would ask for compensation first.  If they refuse to compensate, I would then demand them to take the photo down.  I have no reason to get into a lawsuit over a picture of my family that someone thought looked good.  If I don’t get compensated, well then, I’d be in the same boat as I was before I knew the picture was up, blogging away.

That was what came to my mind when I read this article.  I would love to hear what comes to yours.

Read the original article here >