Aerial photography copyright question

4 years 6 months ago #660204 by Frederick Images
If you have aerial photos, either from a drone or from taken from a helicopter AND there are homes clearly shown in the photos.  Can you get in trouble if you don't have permission from the home owners?


Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #660230 by garyrhook
This has nothing to do with aerial photography.

You haven't supplied a context for the image/video, so perhaps some more detail might be useful?

You don't need permission, or a release, to photograph anything or anyone that is visible from a public location in the US, if you are creating "art". Especially so if a given element isn't a primary focus of an image. Personally identifiable doesn't enter into it, apparently. Here's a recent case .

Commercial use is a completely different issue. I rather hope that Mercedes Benz loses this case , since the murals are fundamental to the mood they are attempting to create. (If that weren't the case, they could have taken the shots anywhere... but they didn't, did they?)

So... it depends.

NB it's not a copyright question, it's a property rights question, and about licensing.


Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #660232 by Frederick Images
Gotcha, good information. Thank you I appreciate your help.  I should have clarified, I've taken some photos of urban streets where I can find patterns,  and they look cool.  I've been thinking about selling as prints. 


Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #660237 by Frederick Images
WOW I just read that Mercedes one and that is interesting.  We live in a sue happy world!


Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #660239 by Fess Walker
Damn, that Mercedes mess seems BS to me.  Those backdrops are public art.  Those artist should be lucky they got some free PR.  I hear your point Gary, but for me, honestly I'm swaying on the other side of the fence for this one.  

*Correction, Mercedes should have at least named the artist.  


Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #660258 by Wyrick Photography
Sorry Gary, I need to disagree on this:

"Commercial use is a completely different issue. I rather hope that Mercedes Benz loses  this case  , since the murals are fundamental to the mood they are attempting to create. (If that weren't the case, they could have taken the shots anywhere... but they didn't, did they?)"

You are 100% correct, murals create the gritty tone they were after.  However when you consider how many inner city walls are tagged up with murals that are created illegally.  I get it, these could have been done with the cities permission.  However they become part of the buildings sanctioned from what ever permits given by the city and should be considered public domain.

Canon 5d Mark II • Canon 24-105mm F/4.0 • Canon 135mm F/2.0 • Canon 50mm F/1.8 • Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 • Canon 580ex ii
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #660308 by garyrhook

Wyrick Photography wrote: Sorry Gary, I need to disagree on this:

"Commercial use is a completely different issue. I rather hope that Mercedes Benz loses  this case  , since the murals are fundamental to the mood they are attempting to create. (If that weren't the case, they could have taken the shots anywhere... but they didn't, did they?)"

You are 100% correct, murals create the gritty tone they were after.  However when you consider how many inner city walls are tagged up with murals that are created illegally.  I get it, these could have been done with the cities permission.  However they become part of the buildings sanctioned from what ever permits given by the city and should be considered public domain.


And here you demonstrate a lack of understanding of copyright.

Copyright is inherent in the creation of a thing. Doesn't matter what it is, or where it is. Yes, defacing property is illegal, but that doesn't undermine copyright. The owner of a property can paint over the work, and that's okay. Coming along and benefitting from someone else's work, without permission or compensation, is not okay. And that's the problem with the MB issue.

By your logic, putting a new piece of art in a public space (a park, e.g.) makes it public domain because it's part of a park. Nothing could be further from the truth.

So, with all due respect, I think it's important to avoid rationalization and conflation, and to critically evaluate the relevant components of the issue. MB is wrong on a number of counts:
  1. Not a permanent part of the architecture: it can be removed/erased/covered.
  2. Partial/blurry: Um, no. Copyright law is very clear that even portions of a work are protected.
  3. Not the centerpieces: No, but a significant element.
  4. Seen from an angle: Um, so what?
It doesn't matter how many murals are created illegally. And if you read the article, you find that these works are hardly illegal, they're intentional. "Could have been done..."? No, you clearly didn't bother to read the article before forming an opinion and drawing a conclusion. The works were commissioned by the city.

Do you not see a problem here? Have you considered learning, evaluating, thinking critically, then espousing?

"You're not titled to your opinion. You're entitled to your informed opinion."  -- Harlan Ellison


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024