As a BASE jumping videographer and photographer since 1993, I often risk my life to capture amazing images in freefall. Some of my photos and videos have appeared on Good Morning America, ESPN, Stuff magazine, numerous books , and other media. Needless to say, it’s disappointing to see West Virginia newspapers, websites, and brochures use my photos without permission (numerous times). Even worse, some of them gave photo credit to other photographers.
In the spirit of Bridge Day, I didn’t make a big deal of the situation. However, it’s all too common to see photo pirates attempting to justify the theft of a photographer’s hard work. Unauthorized users often report the incident as a “mistake” or a “mixup” of photos. With the proliferation of images posted on the internet and the ease of digitally transferring them, it’s become too easy for publishers to find the perfect unauthorized photo.
I have a simple solution to this problem that some people often overlook. It’s called “asking permission”. You’ll find that I’m very accommodating when people go through the proper channels and simply ask for permission before using my photos. After all, I’m here to promote Bridge Day and insure that the event is around for future generations to enjoy. If you see a photo on my website that would fit nicely on your new webpage or brochure, don’t hesitate to contact us.
