Photographer and photo etiquette :)

Please correct me if I'm wrong. Wouldnt it be proper to ask permission before editing someone elses work? Personally I would never do that unless asked directly by the photographer. What are some opinions on this?

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Permalink Reply by Earl E. Gibson on August 22, 2008 at 8:33pm: Keith,

I agree... I never touch anothers work. I would not really want someone to do that to mine.

Earl; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cindy Bohne on August 22, 2008 at 8:44pm: I completely agree! It is completely unprofessional to "edit" anybody else's work. That's why we all have our OWN photography is because we each have our own unique perspective of the world...not for someone else to change our view!

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Bohne on August 24, 2008 at 8:14pm: I agree with all of you! Obviously there are exceptions to if someone wants someone else to edit their photo whether it's to learn, don't have the right tools, a different perspective, etc. but if and ONLY if that is welcomed by the photographer who originally took the photograph. Suggestions too are obviously very good as well as critiques as long as they're in good taste realizing that we are each our own individual with different life lessons, visions, etc. and we are not always going to see a portrait, landscape, building and so forth as another person would. Isn't that why we're all here? :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bobbie on August 23, 2008 at 2:06am: I don't think you should, but there are a few photo sites that have the option of making the photo known it can or cannot be downloaded for editing.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gabriel Catalin on August 23, 2008 at 6:40am: Fully agree with you. Each of us see and feel in her/his own way and this should be respected.

Suggestions sould be allowed though, there are times when a specific idea on how to improve or change a photo (not necessarily technical wise) never croosed our mind in the beginning but once expressed it can improve our work.

So - for modifying other's work - a definite NO. The rest is mainly an exchange of ideas that might lead to good results.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brian Yeo on August 23, 2008 at 8:23am: Again I totally agree. We all have our own views what art is or what a good image consists of. Unless someone asks for the editing to be done I would never dream of doing it to their work, because it is their work not mine!
I take it you know of someone somewhere who may have done this?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by MG on August 23, 2008 at 10:06am: I've done it for my daughter because she is 7 and has some trouble editing photos herself, so she can learn from me. I've given some of my work to others to clean up because I didn't have the proper tools. Aside from those types of situations or a collaborative effort it just doesn't seem beneficial.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Bruenning on August 23, 2008 at 6:02pm: I could not agree more with everyone! Unless you are asked I do not think that is proper or appropriate to do so. When a Photographer takes a photo that is his or her work its nobodys elses to make changes. If asked to do so or paid to then that is another thing. I know that my wife use to work for some people in which that was her job to edit photo's. So in my opinion NEVER EDIT with out proper authorization.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff on August 25, 2008 at 8:00am: I would also have to agree with everyone with two exceptions. That exceptions being if the photographer signed a weaver allowing others to edit his or her work for instruction purposes or if the photo in question has had the rights sold. These would be the only two exceptions. I often buy photos to use, and editing them by adding vereses or quotes to them. If the artist is known, I also beleive it is proper etiquette to give the person full credit for thier work.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Bruenning on August 25, 2008 at 9:19am: I think those are some good thoughts.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Thomas Kelley on September 19, 2008 at 2:16pm: My opinion, IF IT AIN'T YOUR'S, DON'T MESS WITH IT !; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Terri on September 19, 2008 at 5:02pm: I completely agree! Had someone on another site take it upon themselves to edit my work and it kinda offened me, even if it was meant to be friendly.; ▶ Reply to This