What is copyright? And what does it mean for me (as a client)?

A copyright gives the creator of the work the rights to copy, distribute, publicly display or create derivative works from the original work. A copyright also gives the creator the right to license those rights to others. Copyright covers; photography, music, motion pictures, magazines, books, choreography, sculptures, and more. Since I am a photographer I will cover the topics that pertain to my work.

When I create a photo by pressing the shutter button on my camera, the image that I have created is immediately copyrighted. With that said, if I have a photo “registered” with the copyright office, that gives me more of an ability to enforce my rights and generally “registered” works come with a higher penalty for violation. Even if I don’t have an image registered, I still own the copyright and I can still seek penalties for violation of my copyright.

I am considered an  “independent contractor” when I am hired by a client to perform a service. Therefore, my clients do not own the rights to the images that are created by our session. If you purchase and are provided with digital images, you will be provided a limited print and usage release to duplicate low-res images (printing up to 8x10) as well as a set of images to share online with friends and family. The included print release is quite detailed in it’s terms on the use and the reproduction that is allowed.

My images that are posted online through my Facebook or my website are also protected by copyright law and does not mean that they are public domain for you to copy or distribute (whether they have a watermark or not). That includes printing them if you do not have a print release (by downloading and printing through your computer printer or elsewhere). As far as printing is concerned, every photo that I post online with a watermark is uploaded as a web viewing resolution and not a printing resolution.

I generally do not have a problem if you like to share your photos through my Facebook page, by pressing the share button, as well as using one of my images as a profile picture as long as it is not cropped and the watermark remains. A photo credit that links back to me is great, but giving a photo credit does not mean that infringement did not occur. Technically if you download and upload one of my pictures to your Facebook or email, you have technically infringed upon my copyright, unless I have given you written permission to do so (for those that purchase digital images, a print release is included as well as web resolution files). If you are not sure, please ask.

Every image that I upload, regardless where I upload it to and regardless whether or not it is directly implied or not is; ©Lauren Beasley Photography, LLC, All rights reserved. It is illegal to copy, scan, distribute, or alter without written permission. PPA ID # 8241145. All images created by me, Lauren Beasley. Since I am incorporated, my copyrights last for a term of 95 years from the date of first publication or 120 years from the date of creation, which ever expires first. 

I used the, “PPA Copyright Kit”, available to Professional Photographers of America members to help guide me in the creation of this information. www.PPA.com. I also got permission from PPA to use the copyright protection image posted in this post. 

Why I DO NOT use live animals in my photo sessions…

Anyone who has looked my photos have probably noticed that I use minimal props for my sessions. I do this because the focus should be on my subject rather the objects that appear  around them. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE props!!! I just don't like too much and I think keeping it natural and minimal is important in keeping the focus on the person or people that I am photographing. It's my style.

I also LOVE animals... All kinds of animals! I also care about animal rights. Because if we don't
advocate for their rights, who will? Now I'm not super hardcore, and I am not vegan, but I try to make an effort to purchase cruelty free products and I do not support businesses that don't support my beliefs (like circus' that use animals in their acts).

Fawn my husband rescued from the side of the road a few years back.
He was taken to a rehabilitation center in Zebulon. 

With that said, I also do not use bunnies, chicks, or other small animals for my photography sessions. Now if you live on a farm, raise those animals and would like to be photographed with them because they are a part of your family; well that is a different situation. I'm talking about using those animals solely for cutesy props…

So, unless the animal is your own pet(s), these are the reasons why I do not use small animals in my photo sessions:

• A license/permit is required under the Animal Welfare Act through the USDA. 
• If a vendor is used they must be licensed, insured, and carry such a permit through the USDA. 
• Small and baby animals, like chicks and bunnies, can be easily injured or killed if they are mishandled. 
• Handling of the animal(s) may cause undue stress and that is just not necessary. PETA has written an article about bunnies being stressed and terrified. I feel that unjustly causing a small animal fear or panic is just not worth it. 
• Many small animals can carry disease; Tularemia, Salmonella… ((yuk))
• No one wants to be bit, scratched or infected by an animal… and I would like to not be sued because of it. 
•  I don't think anyone likes to be peed or pooped on... and I especially do not like cleaning that stuff up...

So in a nutshell, I don't believe in the use of live animals as a photo prop and I think your portrait can be made to be just as cute and endearing without the use of those live animals. 

I used a variety of sources and common sense to compile my list. The sources that I through carried the most importance I have linked above.

Happy 2014!

Hello all! I hope you have all had a fantastic new year and that your holidays were happy.

If you have been following me regularly, you have probably noticed a lack in posts. Since business has been slow, I took a short hiatus from my photography to spend the holidays with my family. In the meantime, our daughter got very sick in the process, and is still so. A big thank you to everyone who has offered well wishes and prayers. They are all very appreciated.

I will be picking everything back up on January 11, 2014. If you would like to book or have any questions, still feel free to send me an email or message through Facebook. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response as I will be spending this time with my family.

I will also try to use any spare time to finish and upload past sessions to the blog. Again, I hope you have all had a fantastic holiday and most wonderful new year.

Nov 6 | Make & Take

We had our second successful "Make & Take" sign class at Rita's Decor & More hosted by Anna Beasley.

If you are wondering what a "Make & Take" class is, it is a class/workshop/get together/party that is lead by Anna. She brings all the materials you need to create your own unique wooden sign. It makes for a great time to spend with friends or maybe even meet some new one's in the process. It is a lot of fun, take a look for yourself at the album for this class. Or the last class that was held at the end of October, here.

If this class sounds like something you'd be interested in, you are in luck! The next scheduled "Make & Take, Sign & Wine" event is Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30pm. If you would like to register for this class, please send Anna an email.

If you are interested in hosting your own private "Make & Take" class, Anna is currently booking private parties. For more information or to book your own party email her at ABeasley13@gmail.com. She also has a new Etsy shop open! Go on by and take a look, it's in the starting phase so be on the lookout in the weeks to come for new products. Take a visit to her Etsy shop; Giggly Goat Creations.

And lastly, if you are looking for a photographer for your next event please contact me if you are interested.

Nov 6 | Make & Take, a set on Flickr.

Looking for...

I am in search of a high school senior or pregnant mom-to-be (prefer at least 30 weeks) to do a photo shoot within the next two-four weeks. Send me a email if you are interested: LaurenBeasleyPhoto@gmail.com.

The shoot itself will be free and will include 4 digital images. The session will last from 60-90 minutes. A model release (guardian will need to sign if under 18) will need to be signed prior to your session. Photos from our session will be posted on my blog and your photos may be used on my portfolio.

When your images are ready, they will be posted in a private gallery for your viewing. There is no commitment to buy anything. If you decide you would like to place an order, prints and other products are available. Please email me for a price list. All print orders over $250 include all of the digital images, 8x10's start at $10.

I am only doing the free shoots for a limited time.


I look for models from time to time to test out some locations and ideas I have. If you would like to be kept in mind for future needs send me an email (include information like where you live and your schedule). Location may be anywhere between Raleigh-Angier (vague I know...).

If this sounds like something you would like to participate in, please send me an email.

Have kids or expecting...

If you haven't heard the word... Carolina Kids Consignment is hosting their fall consignment sale this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Sun is 50% off select items). They have something for any child from birth to school-age. And in my personal opinion, if you are expecting or a new parent, you can't afford to miss this sale if you are in need of any infant items (from swings to bottles). And of course they have boo-koos of clothes (from birth to maternity). 

I have been to a sale like this before and they are pretty beneficial (in my opinion) if you take your time and have a mental list of things to look for. This time, I have signed up to consign/sell some of Maci's old infant equipment and toys she out grew; to make room for her Birthday and Christmas (since that is literally back-to-back). And I tried selling them on my own, but that was just too over whelming and I got tired of dealing with craigslist and BST sites on Facebook. So, I am giving this a shot. Next time, I might try selling some of her clothes... I just put off tagging until the last minute and never got around to doing her out-grown clothes. Have you been to a sale like this before? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

This sale is in Smithfield off 210 at the Johnston County Livestock Arena. For detailed information, check out there webpage.

Now offering Kotori Photo Jewelry

Click to Enlarge

I am now offering Kotori Sterling Silver jewelry! Create a one of a kind heirloom with Kotori sterling silver photo jewelry.

Your photo is set in sterling silver and coated with a waterproof, UV coating that is guaranteed to never yellow. Due to the personalization of this jewelry, it can take up to 2 weeks for your item(s) to be shipped.

Please inquire for pricing and other information.

To view their catalog: http://issuu.com/mykotori/docs/2013_catalog

The Past and Things to Look Forward To...

Sigh... well, the summer is winding down and it's back to school time for some. I keep asking myself, "Where has the summer went?". Well, it's come and now it's leaving... Even though it's Summer until mid-Sepember, but you know what I mean.

Would you like to support a local artist (me)? I have had some inquires about purchasing some of my images as a print and well, I aim to please. I have compiled some of my favorite still life shots, 42 to be exact, and I have them up for sale as 8x10 prints. A sample is on the right, click to enlarge.

The images have been uploaded into a public gallery and are available for viewing and ordering. If you visit the "Clients" tab on my blog or go to: http://LaurenBeasleyPhoto.shootproof.com/8x10 and enter your email address. 8x10 Prints start at $25.00 for a lustre print and ground shipping is $6.00 per order. The prints are from a professional photographic printer and are photographic prints, not an ink jet print. If you would like an image in another format, just let me know. The gallery will be open until mid December, so get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

On the same note, My mother in law, Anna, has a vendor space at Ritas Decor and More in Fuquay (the address is at the bottom). She is selling some unique signs, vinyl wall quotes, and goodies. Go by there and check out what all the vendors have to offer. She is making a little spot for me in her store space to display some photographs as advertisement and I will also be selling some 8x10's there as well. I expect my shipment of 8x10's to arrive today or Monday. I would like to sell the photo's in the store matted and framed, but I will need some time to get that together. So, I will post when I have it together up there.

Update-Update-Update! We are finally breaking ground (well, sort of) in the creation of an office/studio space. The room is already a finished space, but it needs some work done to it. We have replaced the carpet with flooring and are painting now. It's a mess right now, but I'll post some pictures after it is done. I plan on using the room as a multipurpose space; part office, crafting space, storage, and natural light studio. It's small, but it's a start. YAY!

I have also been wanting to post some sessions that I did prior to starting my blog, which was started in March 2013. I have a handful of sessions I would like to post, so I will start with my next post and periodically add to it as I go along. I like to post weekly, any more than that I don't think anyone will visit. Maybe I'm wrong, so feel free to leave feedback.

Eventually I want to upgrade to a nice more professional blog, but right now I am working without much of a budget and a free blog is what is affordable right now. I also am looking into a portfolio site, I feel like a portfolio website is something I will eventually need to invest into. So, big things to look forward to in the future. Do you know anyone who would trade website/blog/html help for portraits? Give em' my number please (seriously), because website stuff is just not my forte... figuring out CS6 is hard enough.

Thank you to my loyal friends and followers and hello to any new one's! Leave a comment if you are new to my blog! Cheers!

Rita's Decor & More
214 S. Main Street
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Booking for Fall Portraits!

I am now booking for fall portraits! Great for back to school! Mini sessions start at $80 and include a disk of images! 

Also, I have added more products available to order from your sessions - boutique frames & standout wall art. I already offer - photographic prints, float wraps and canvas gallery wraps. 

And, a heads up for those interested... Starting September 1st, the price of photographic prints that I offer will have a slight price increase. All of the other products that I offer will stay the same. So if you would like to take advantage of my current pricing, please make sure to book your session prior to Sept 1 (session can take place after, I just need it in my calendar with paid deposit). 

Starting January 1, my pricing structure for sessions will change as well. More info on that to come in the future.