Walmart, Prints and Copyright...

Duh_Vinci · 12-14-2008, 11:00 AM

Well, for Christmas, I decided to get get my parents few photos, framed - 1 for each individually (8x10), and one collage of multiple (4x6).

Stopped by Walmart yesterday morning, I kinda like their Fuji processor for 1 hour process. Came back later, lady at the register was nice, but said she is unable to release my photos to me as it is a "belief of the manager that material is done professionally and is copyrighted"

I politely asked to speak to that manager... Very unpleasant lady came over, with the attitude. "These are professionally done, these are just too good" - well thanks, I'm flattered, but since I took those to make a Christmas present for my parents, why can't I print them here?

Blah blah blah... After long deliberation, the agreement was that I had to bring a copyright release letter. So I did, long letter... Got my photos, got the frames, will put them together tonight.

Just rather frustrating... I think from now on, I will do the files through the mail.

Has it happened to anyone else?

Regards,
D

codiac2600 · 12-14-2008, 11:12 AM

Not yet but they should have a form there for you to sign that exempts them from liability if they are YOUR photos.

They technically have no need for papers unless they come from another photographer.

Oh well... tis the life we have in america where everyone can sue for anything and even walmart is scared of getting in trouble. Heck in my town walmart never asks for anything ever.

12-14-2008, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Duh_Vinci

Well, for Christmas, I decided to get get my parents few photos, framed - 1 for each individually (8x10), and one collage of multiple (4x6).

Stopped by Walmart yesterday morning,

Walgeens does a much better job, I'm told.

Has it happened to anyone else?

Regards,
D

Not to me, but to one of my local friends who is a very good amateur Photographer.

At his recommendation, I take my stuff to a custom photo lab for processing.

Cost a little more, but there is no hassle and the work is better.

barondla · 12-14-2008, 11:57 AM

Happened to me at kodak once. Sent slides in to have enlargements. Slide mounts had my name as copy right stamp on them. Kodak wouldn't do them without a release letter. The stupid processing envelope had the same name on it along with my address etc. kind of silly. You never know when a person might be copying a photographers work and sending them to that photographers address. Bet that happens often!

thanks
barondla

**roentarre** · 12-14-2008, 01:44 PM

I had some of the worst experience surrounding printing some of my photos at the labs. I was questioned of similar things and I found this type of behaviour degrading.

What I would do is to go to consumer affair and make an official complaint as the suspicion is unfounded and discrimitary. Make the shop suffer.

*maxwell1295* · 12-14-2008, 02:06 PM

If you do a lot of printing and have a Costco near you, I highly recommend using them instead. In my case, it's well worth the membership fee. I got my $50 back with the first couple of 8x10 prints I sold. Costco prices are great and the quality is as good as anywhere. You won't have the paper selection that the premium labs offer, but they print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper which is pretty good. You can also upload full resolution images to their website. That makes for a decent 4th backup for images I wouldn't be able to replace.

*Sailor* · 12-14-2008, 02:51 PM

I had a similar experience at Walgreens several years ago - still in my film days -with my daughter's high school graduation photos. I used several lenses, but the shots I picked were taken with my A* 85/1.4. I can't remember how it was resolved, but I didn't have to write a letter.

I too was flattered, BTW.

Jer

Arpe · 12-14-2008, 04:38 PM

Aren't you innocent until proven guilty?
Tell her to look at the Exif data, surely all pros use this to put their copyright info in the file?

You had to bring a copyright release letter? Couldn't you just write one there and then?

flyer · 12-14-2008, 04:46 PM

What if somebody downloaded one of your files from the internet and tried to get them printed? Wouldn'dt you like to have somebody putting a stop if they can't prove ownership? For myself, I can live with that little problem.

*Wheatfield* · 12-14-2008, 05:16 PM

I would advise anyone who is doing "professional looking photos" to get professional looking business cards made, and drop one off with your order if you are going to use any of the department store labs.
Imbedding EXIF copyright data isn't of much use, depending on the lab. I'm not familiar with Fuji machines, but none of the Noritsu labs that I have run have been able to show a file's EXIF data with the stock software.
It's also not a bad idea to try to get yourself known to the people at the lab. This is presuming you can find a lab that does what you like.

Duh_Vinci · 12-14-2008, 05:38 PM

Well, it was indeed an "experience" for me! I have not printed anything for a while...

The big problem in my eyes is not the fact that they asked for copyright release paper, but the rudeness and demeanor of the manager. Maybe because I'm in the fairly rural area, but still, that is no excuse. Besides, when you use their Fuji system, first screen is a full page of disclaimers, you have to enter your name, address and sign the copyright agreement to begin with, so why something in writing in addition to that???

If someone steals your photos, and chooses to print them - while it is immoral, there is not much we could do if someone is determined to do so...

Thank you for suggestions for Costco, haven't even though of them (though member for many many years), will give them a try!

Regards,
D

P.S. On the positive note, tones and clarity are very satisfying to me on these prints, both 8X10 portraits I've already framed, I think my parents would like them

ryan s · 12-14-2008, 11:42 PM

When I worked in the lab, of course people would get the "what? why? wtf?" attitude (and I mean "attitude" in the bad sense).

After a little explanation by me and getting some info from the customer, the amiable ones understood and we didn't have a problem.

Plus, knowing customers is just good service from the store's side. I had people come in and remember me since I wouldn't "hassle" them after the first time.

It's just the store/employee/chain covering its ass. People don't believe how many customers tried to copy Olan Mills prints, and obvious PRO (read: studio) prints. For all I care...those who get offended because the employees take issue...you wouldn't know until you've worked the other side of the counter.

Digital makes things very complicated. I would never question someone dropping off undeveloped film...and the Fuji's can't read EXIF/Metdata because that would make the tech's job too easy, and we can't have that, can we?

[What you've witnessed is just a general rant]

The Fuji Crystal Archive is very nice paper, even better if your lab has the matte in 6" width. Some Walgreens do, some don't. Having handled thousands of prints, I can recommend it to anyone, at least to give it a shot.

Then...all you have to do is find a tech who really knows what they're doing

Mike Cash · 12-15-2008, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Duh_Vinci

Has it happened to anyone else?

There was a long thread on the matter earlier this year.

*Wheatfield* · 12-15-2008, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by codiac2600

Not yet but they should have a form there for you to sign that exempts them from liability if they are YOUR photos.

They technically have no need for papers unless they come from another photographer.

Oh well... tis the life we have in america where everyone can sue for anything and even walmart is scared of getting in trouble. Heck in my town walmart never asks for anything ever.

Any liability disclaimer at the counter is at best a shield, not a sword, and won't stand up in court. Ultimately, the photo lab is responsible for what comes off their machines, and if what comes off their machines is stolen intellectual property, they will take the hit for it.
Wal-Mart and it's ilk are much bigger and easier to hit targets than some soccer mom who is trying to copy team photos, any legal action would include the lab.

*Wheatfield* · 12-15-2008, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by ryan s

When I worked in the lab, of course people would get the "what? why? wtf?" attitude (and I mean "attitude" in the bad sense).

After a little explanation by me and getting some info from the customer, the amiable ones understood and we didn't have a problem.

Plus, knowing customers is just good service from the store's side. I had people come in and remember me since I wouldn't "hassle" them after the first time.

It's just the store/employee/chain covering its ass. People don't believe how many customers tried to copy Olan Mills prints, and obvious PRO (read: studio) prints. For all I care...those who get offended because the employees take issue...you wouldn't know until you've worked the other side of the counter.

Digital makes things very complicated. I would never question someone dropping off undeveloped film...and the Fuji's can't read EXIF/Metdata because that would make the tech's job too easy, and we can't have that, can we?

[What you've witnessed is just a general rant]

The Fuji Crystal Archive is very nice paper, even better if your lab has the matte in 6" width. Some Walgreens do, some don't. Having handled thousands of prints, I can recommend it to anyone, at least to give it a shot.

Then...all you have to do is find a tech who really knows what they're doing

I used to get very good copy negs brought in from amateurs who were taking a break from photographing bugs...
It doesn't matter what roll width is going through the machine. Crystal Archive 6 inch is the same paper as Crystal Archive 4 inch.
We use Crystal Archive Matte at the studio, and are very happy with it.