Appreciation of Usage RIGHTS

Have you ever printed your photo bigger than A4 size paper? Well the largest I ever print was around 20x16inch. But this time, I get to print my work larger than usual. The size was about 6x4feet and it really touched me. I NEVER imagined to have this big prints of my works... never.. (though I always dream of owning my own printer, but to realize it, I don't think it was possible in the nearest time). My prints being printed means my works was appreciated.

(the shoot has yellow-greenish cast due to the reflection of the wall)

This was a photoshoot done in Simpang Mengayau, Kudat and the shoots were actually meant for slidshow, not big sized prints. After carefully selecting the pictures, mine was choosen. Well, actually the in studio works were much better. The couple Mr & Mrs Malanjin made their photoshooting in Penampang-Studio, but they were really unfortunate when the policy of the studio is not to release the original photo of both the bride. Yes they got the edited photo, but when we checked it out, it was saved in a loose format and not even capable of printing with good quality up to 12inch. He begged and even offered to pay for the original photo, but they still refused.

I just couldnt get it, both couple hired the studio, and yes they pay for the edited photo, but after negotiating and negotiating, the owner still refused to hand over/ sell the original shoot for both couples. In what I understand, the studio HAS the right to keep your photo, but they don't have the right to publish them for COMMERCIAL purpose, UNLESS WITH YOUR CONSENT. and.. you have the right to have or at least BUY the original photo because you are IN IT... ofcourse you DONT have the right to buy other peoples photo, but if its your own? you surely do. BUT KEEP IN MIND, even if you have the ORIGINAL, you have no right to use it for commercial purpose since YOUR NOT THE AUTHOR of the photo, you are only the MODEL.

I like other professional Studios who release the original photo for their clients with a pay. I know EVERBEST Wedding Studio in KK release the original photo for RM10 each. They have the right to sell them since THEY ARE THE ARTIST WHO PRODUCE THE PHOTO and you are just the MODEL.

So for anyone who wishes to do STUDIO photography, be sure you are allowed to have the ORIGINAL photo for your OWN PERSONAL use from the studio, make sure you dont use it for your own commercial purpose. If they require you to pay, please know that THEY HAVE THE RIGHTS, but you have the rights to HAVE your PHOTO too with the said exemption....

If you have different thought about this issue... do enlighten me...