I agree about the photography, and we haven't had any requests for
photographing collections.  The two requests that we have had were for
an artist to make some sketches of items to get a feel for forms and
shapes.  Neither of these artists actually showed up after making the
request, so it became a non-issue.  However, I've been mulling over how
I feel about such requests since then.  

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Zickuhr, Kristine
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 1:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Copyright



Stephanie,

 

General inspiration should be ok, but photography could create an issue.
If the artist snaps a photo of one of your fossils he or she can then
turn around and sell prints of it.  You wouldn't be entitled to any
compensation or even credit. Once a photograph is taken (if the rights
aren't established by a contract beforehand) the copyright belongs to
the photographer.  Imagine seeing an unauthorized calendar of items in
your collection!   We've run into a problem several times with
photographs that were taken of collection items in past years (no
calendar, but almost as bad).  Even if you hire someone to come in and
take photographs, be sure you have a contract in place before the photos
are snapped.

 

With the exception of professional photographers working for a notable
publisher (and we have a specific contract for that), we no longer allow
outside photographers into the collection.  We acquired staff training
and equipment so we can produce good quality photographs in-house.  That
way we have clear copyright ownership and can also track the exact image
that was released.  

 

I'd have no issue with reasonable requests to study an object for
inspiration, but the artist wouldn't be left unsupervised with it and
photography would be prohibited.  Otherwise we'd have photographs
running around that we'd have no control over.  

 

We provide one hour of staff time, then charge a small fee per hour for
anything more.  That allows everyone access but doesn't allow anyone to
monopolize staff time for free.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Kristine Zickuhr

Registrar

Wisconsin Veterans Museum

 

 

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