If you take photographs that look remotely professional expect to have some trouble getting them processed at your local supermarket. Check out the trouble this Flickr user had in the Flickr 100 years old group thread!
Several times I have heard of people attempting to get (family) photos copied at Wal-Mart and refused because they were “copyrighted” – because they were made by a photograph studio. Even if the person who OWNS the copyright were to ask a Wal-Mart photo manager to copy it, they would refuse. They misinterpret the word “copyright” to mean “copywrong,” That is to say: Copy?….. wrong!
In a way I guess it is tricky for the Walmart employee. They have a blanket policy and risk a reprimand (or worse) for breaking it, even if it makes no sense. Walmarts aren’t about to provide copyright training. The answer I guess is if you can use a proper outfit, print out a “release” on headed paper or scan and print it yourself.
Comedy Update:
Heh, couldn’t resist adding this.
Technorati Tags: photography, processing, printing, walmart, news, tips
8 Comments
I don’t think it is a “sacred or special” thing more in a lot of places Walmart (or local country version) is all you have when in a fix. They have pretty much eaten up many of the smaller places leaving fewer choices.
What’s sacred or special about Wal Mart? It’s just like any other business. If they won’t provide the services you need, take your business elsewhere…
Good tip Bill
Walmart is particularly bad about this sort of thing, but even worse is what they do if you bring them a picture of your infant, nude in the bathtub. Nevermind that taking these photos is an integral part of raising your child (How else will you embarrass them when they bring home the first girlfriend/boyfriend?). Walmart not only won’t print them, but they will enclose a preachy and condescending note implying that you are a truly horrible human being for having taken the photo and for asking Walmart to print it.
I worked for Ritz Camera in college, and we were the only game in town aside from Walmart, so I saw the photos they wouldn’t print all the time. I understand that Walmart doesn’t want their employeed to have to walk the line between child porn and babies in the bathtub, but they don’t have to be snooty about it. And they won’t print ANY nudity. At all.
Anyway, my point is that I imagine they do this to make it easier for their employees by taking the decision out of the employee’s hands with a blanket policy that’s much more restrictive than it has to be.
I anticipate this problem, and when I take family photos and give the family member a CD, I also provide a copyright release. Wal-Mart has accepted this signed release. Wal-Mart also has their own copyright release form.
There was a newsreader here in the UK who ended up with the police knocking at her door for trying to get a film developed with bathtime pictures of her kid. As a parent I understand that these companies are being wary but it is a shame that something innocent is blanket tarnished by the perverts.
I would quickly take a memory card somewhere else, or appeal to another customer service person (or their supervisor) and if that fails try what you suggest
I just ordered some pictures online and went to pick up today instore and they refuse to sell them to me without a release form faxed to their store from the “professional” who took the photo. Sorry, but this was not taken professionally and I can’t get a hold of the friend of a friend who took the photo of our family. Should I forge a letter head and make up the professional who doesnt exist in order to get my christmas cards out to my friends or family or just leave them with my prints? Do you think they will verify the fax?