Thanks for all the support received so far. I am adding this having just had an email from one listee who had asked for further information, before adding his name to the list.
Having seen the additional material now posted below, he feels this should have been available along with the initial posting. I agree with him and hope you find the material helpful in reaching a decision. If anyone requires further information, please contact me off list and I will do my best to assist.
Please remember this is all off topic and any discussion is to be OFF LIST please.
Many thanks
Richard .....................................................................
Alyson wrote:
Epukers will remember my advertising of my exhibition in Manchester of my Live Music Photography. A proportion of the photos from the exhibition were taken whilst I was employed at Cavendish Press. They were taken in my own time after I finished work for the day. Cavendish never really were interesed in my music photos and even stated in a letter that 'Press and PR work are their priority, not pop concerts'. I left the agency in October 2002. On Friday at the launch of the exhibition Brian Whittle, Director of the Agency and Andy Kelvin, Chief Photographer turned up univited. They did not speak to me, they scouted round the exhibition to check ot what pictures were there. On Monday I received an email from the promoters of the exhibition that Brian Whittle had gone back to the Bar where the exhibition was being held on Saturday, and had a go at the manager claiming that he had ownership of the material. He left a letter for me, which I received yesterday. The letter states at the top that it is a 'Legal Warning'. He has demanded that I take the photos down, that any promotional material be destroyed and any proceeds from the saled of images be given to Cavendish. He also stated that the material was pirated and that he was contacting the Manchester City Council's licensing Authority and also the Trading Standards authroity in relation to the matter. If I do not comply with the demands then he says that he will pursue the matter with upmost vigor and that I will incurr any costs from legal fees.
So who owns the copyright? Well unfortunately for little old me , I signed a contract that said 'any work done whilst in the employ of Cavendish Press remains confidentail and the copyright of the agency'. I signed my creative life away without realising. It seems that the contract is as vague as possible so that there is no chance for me in this siutation. Even though I took the photos in my own time, even with the knowledge of the agency I have no rights.The NUJ have been supportive and as no photos from my cavendish time have been sold then there is no point in taking me to court.
The situation has arisn 9 months after I have left the agency. I am a struggling freelancer trying to raise my profile.
I have taken the images down and replaced them with other ones since receiving the letter.
Feel free to comment
Alyson Blanchard -- Step up to top quality drum scans that are the business... Satisfaction Guaranteed. See the Labs and Bureaux section at: www.prodig.org for details =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
