Property Releases
So there you are sitting in the Marketing or Communications/PR department and you need an image for your latest project. You’ll probably turn at some point to a stock photography site such as iStock or Corbis and assume they’re all licensed for you, and you more than likely understand most of the usual restrictions.
However, there is one that could catch you out.
Whilst you may already be familiar with model releases (and we have a few great stories on those too, which we’ll maybe share in another article), property release could come as a surprise.
Basically put, any image shot on, or of, private property (such as homes, building interiors, and businesses etc) must have a property release duly signed by the owner and obtained by the photographer. This also extends to artworks in public—you will often need the artists authority to use the image for any commercial use.
Cityscapes however (as they are not focussing on one particular property) would not need a release, but any signs or logos would need to be removed.
Interestingly, also property such as identifiable animals (zoo animal), toys, games, watches, tech products and documents (sheet music, maps) also require a property release.
Editorially, you are far more free. Under these conditions you would not normally need a release for a newsworthy article, though blogs are quite a grey area when they are run by a business.
Recently we were asked by a client to put an iconic regional artwork onto the cover of their catalogue. This is precisely the area you’ll need to be very careful. Some older artworks and landmarks that fall into the public domain (Statue of Liberty, Sydney Harbour Bridge for example) often won’t need a release, however, more modern icons (Sydney Opera House—if main focus of shot) will. Some image libraries will have obtained the release for you, other (usually the cheaper sources) won’t have gone to the same efforts.
So, there’s the minefield, hopefully we’ve made things slightly more helpful. Look for the release, and make sure you’re legal (or it could end up costing you more than you anticipated).
Jeff
Charity Ride - Update
It was a shame to not have a group ride, but we had great weather (unlike last year) and we saw others out there supporting the charity too...
Read More
Charity Ride
I’ve been meaning to do this themed rideout forever and finally I’ve pulled my finger out and sorted my registration for the event.
Read More
Welsh Cream Tea
In between the ever present showers we've had for summer 2020 we did a very quick photoshoot for Fabulous Welshcakes.
Read More
Case Study: Laguna Spa
Part of the Park Plaza Hotel in Cardiff, the Laguna Spa is a city centre spa with a customer centric approach to their clients.
Read More
Colours: Yellow
Once upon a time a very straight-talking individual decided he wanted all the interiors of his planes to be very ‘on-brand’.
Read More
Designers Hate...
Welcome to a new series where we pour out our somewhat obsessive overreaction to small-but-hugely-irritating design decisions.
Read More
Case Study: Acuity Law
Acuity Law is a dynamic law company, with a modern organisational structure and an agile, fluid team-centric model.
Read More
Natura Unreal
In this post I just simply wanted to share something that made me go 'wow!' check out these beautiful surrealistic pieces by Luisa Azevedo.
Read More
Digital Zombies
Are we too depenendant on our devices? Are we just 'digital zombies' constantly glued to our phones?
Read More
Visions...
When discussion with friends turns to books, when I let people know that I enjoy sci-fi novels, I get a certain look...
Read More
Designing With Purpose
One belief we’ve always held close to our heart at Caffeine is that design must not only look good, it absolutely must have purpose.
Read More
Look Big - Quick Look...
The beautiful illustration work by Jeff Östberg really caught my eye and make this a lovely book to flip through.
Read More
Brand Values
Can you remember the values your business settled on? Are they really a part of your daily life in work?
Read More
Animals of the North
A quick post to show off the lovely illustrations in the book, Wild Animals of the North.
Read More
Case Study: Firing Line
Firing Line are a regimental museum that pride themselves on engaging storytelling though their exhibits and artefacts.
Read More
Everyday Magic
A quick post for you today showing you some amazing photographs from the German photographer Lucas Zimmermann.
Read More
Case Study: Barnardo's
A third sector organisation that needs no introduction came to us frustrated at their existing external designer.
Read More
Our New Site
Typically, and this is probably true for many businesses, it took us ages to get our own new site launched. But launched it is...
Read More
Case Study: Forbes
We were approached to look at reinvigorating the brand as a whole, starting with the main element of the logo and then the supporting parts.
Read More
Case Study: FWC
Cardiff based Fabulous Welshcakes asked us to create their full brand and suuporting materials. They are our oldest client...
Read More
Attract Business
Utilise our skills and experience to help you stand out and attract business.
Read More
The Power of Colour
We are surrounded with colour. Every day our lives are enhanced by the colours of nature around us.
Read More
Just My Type
I recently had the pleasure to come across a little gem of a book dedicated to the world of typefaces.
Read More
Delicate Paper Flowers
Pretty awesome paper flower creations.
Read More
VAT on Print Work
Did you know that VAT is zero on some print items, but not others?
Read More
The Designer Says
“I want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares.”
Read More
Information Is Beautiful
The Effectiveness of Infographics
Read More
Leica M Monochrome
Take a look at this thing of beauty and tell us you don't love the magic and romance of monochrome photography...
Read More
What Makes A Designer
What makes a designer a designer? And why can't anyone do it?...
Read More
Property Releases
Something to Watch Out for...
Read More
Social Media
So, you’ve decided to do it, or it’s been foisted upon you, or you feel you have to be involved with social media because everyone else is. Now what?
Read More
Details, Details, Details
It’s a painting right? Well it take’s a little while to accept it, but it’s actually a hyper-realistic painting by the artist Jason de Graaf.
Read More
Fab Free Font
Lovely retro font from Fontfabric
Read More
Elegant Ampersands
More a Graphic Than Type.
Read More
Why-Why-Why...?
Really? Why do designers think that I want to be seen in this?
Read More
Design vs Style
Design & Style. Is There a Difference?
Read More