Is It Socially Acceptable to "Steal" Photos on Facebook?

cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 09:37
Last edited 20/12/2018 - 11:37

Hi all, not a life or death matter, but what do people think about people "stealing" other people's photos, and using them as their own on Facebook? An example is where I take photos at a social gathering or event, process and touch them up in Lightroom, and then share on Facebook. Next day, one or two of my friends (it's usually the same people) will post their own Facebook posts featuring my photos, and there's no attribution or credit given.

I'm not in it for popularity, internet points or even Facebook likes, but I take pride in my skill as a photographer. It's more a lack of acknowledgement or common courtesy, especially if they get lots of compliments for the photo. I'd be more than okay with it if they would just send me a quick message like "hey I really like your photo, do you mind if I use it?" or even just credit me in their photo description or comments. So far it's been a pet peeve for me but I'm not losing sleep over it… and I just wanted to see what everyone thought.

EDIT: Ok thank you everyone, I think the general consensus is that if I'm posting on Facebook then it's fair game, and I should be less precious of my photos. After some reflection I agree - I should just be happy that people are enjoying the product of my work.

Poll Options

  • 164
    Yes, anything you post on Facebook is fair game.
  • 96
    Yes, as long as they give you credit / ask permission.
  • 18
    No, your work is yours. How dare they! Call the bikies!
  • 18
    Meh, I'm too busy driving my high yield investment to care.
Internet

Comments

  • whooah1979 on 20/12/2018 - 09:42
    +4

    An example is where I take photos at a social gathering or event,

    https://www.facebook.com/help/1020633957973118/

    What rights do I have as a copyright owner?
    As the copyright owner, you have certain rights under the law to stop others from copying or distributing your work, or creating new works based on your work. Copyright infringement generally occurs when a person engages in one of these activities without the copyright owner’s permission.
    For example, when someone else uploads your photo or video, they made a copy of that photo or video. The same is true if someone uses a song in the soundtrack to a video, even if they paid for a copy of that song on another service.
    If you own a copyright, you have the right to grant permission to use your copyrighted work as well as prevent other people from using your copyrighted work without permission.

    Get the art removed.
    https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/634636770043106?helpre…

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 09:56

      Thanks for the suggestion. I am actually friends with these people and I still want to remain friends.
      I've mentioned it to them once or twice but they still won't change their ways so I've been content to let it slide.

      • TerryJustTerry on 21/12/2018 - 08:27
        +25

        I suggest adding a small signature on the bottom

      • Chandler on 21/12/2018 - 10:03
        +2

        As TerryJustTerry has suggested - small watermark in the corner.

        Then the ones using your photos will either leave it there or they will go to the effort of cropping it out, in which case I feel you have every right to call them out.

        A small comment on your friend's copy of the photo thanking their friends for the kind comments on it would possibly get the message across…

        • bmerigan on 21/12/2018 - 22:16

          I like this idea. Thank people for the nice comments on the photos - in the 'thieves' news feed

      • terrys on 21/12/2018 - 08:03
        +19

        "Taking a photo and applying a filter doesnt constitute a copyright."

        "Protection is free and automatic
        There is no system of registration for copyright protection in Australia. Copyright protection does
        not depend upon registration, publication, a copyright notice, or any other procedure—the
        protection is free and automatic.
        A photo is protected by copyright automatically from the moment it is taken."

        Australian Copyright Council Information Sheet G011v18 Photographers & Copyright (2014, Dec.)Retrieved from https://www.copyright.org.au/ACC_Prod/ACC/Information_Sheets…

        That wasn't hard. Also:
        The copyright notice
        The copyright notice is not required for protection in Australia or in most other countries, but it
        notifies people that the work is protected and identifies the person claiming the rights.

      • Flying Ace on 21/12/2018 - 09:12
        +2

        This is not true. A photo is copyright the moment you take it. You don't need to have it registered or any nonsense like that.

      • Agret on 22/12/2018 - 17:02
        +1

        Taking a photo and applying a filter doesnt constitute a copyright.

        He actually shot the photographs though, he's not re-uploading other peoples photos with a filter on top.
        He is the copyright holder for the works.

  • Car-la-la on 20/12/2018 - 09:42
    +39

    watermark them if you want credit

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 09:59
      +6

      Yeah I have thought about it. I have done so in the past and some people have actually cropped them out… haha.

      • dust on 20/12/2018 - 10:18
        +27

        Have you tried putting the watermark on everyone's forehead instead?

        • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:25
          +10

          Haha, maybe I should just face swap everyone's faces with my own. :P

          • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 13:05
            +10

            @cuteseal: At that point I would be saying something to the person.

          • Miss B on 20/12/2018 - 21:11
            +9

            @cuteseal: Are they in the photos? Just put the watermark across their faces.

      • jerjergege on 20/12/2018 - 19:52
        +13

        Just comment saying "nice, what do you think about my camera choice and composition of the shot?"

      • Name on 20/12/2018 - 19:57
        +19

        Yeah. If people cropped the watermark out I'd be peeved. I'd be tempted to watermark in the centre on any really good photos.

        Why are they saving and re uploading anyway? Why don't they just share your post on their wall? It's what all my friends do.

        Is it the same person that is always doing it?

      • macrocephalic on 21/12/2018 - 16:41
        +1

        This is definitely where it crosses the line for me. If I got take photos at an event, and I'm proud of them, then I'll put a little watermark in the corner. I'm not in it for money, and I'm not undercutting any other professional photographers - so I don't mind giving them away for free. The only thing I want is recognition that I created that image.

    • Shadowsfury on 20/12/2018 - 13:07
      +3

      If it bothers you that much I would also put a watermark. Just don't put it in a corner if they keep cropping it out - find somewhere in the centre of the photo that won't look out too out of place (e.g. a solid color)

  • HighAndDry on 20/12/2018 - 09:48
    -1

    Petty complaint, but valid because that is actually copyright infringement. I'd have a chat with those people, or watermark it as car-la-la said if they won't change their behaviour.

    • Entropy Sky on 21/12/2018 - 07:23

      The sound of superiority in that statement, its over 9000.

  • Markmathews on 20/12/2018 - 09:50
    -4

    Didn't know people still posted photos on Facebook.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 09:58

      Haha, I guess it depends on your social circle. Some of my friends also just dump the lot into whatsapp, but I like the sharing aspect of Facebook. Just not when it's pinched by others and passed off as their own work.

      • dcep on 20/12/2018 - 13:03
        +1

        whatapps ? does whatapps has walls/moments ? i thought they're just chats

        • KBZ on 20/12/2018 - 22:27

          Just sharing in group chats. Especially useful if you take trips together. Just dump and autosaves in your gallery.

    • Diji1 on 20/12/2018 - 10:07
      +2

      Facebook having yet another "privacy accident" in the ongoing string of continuous "privacy accidents" that is Facebook's standard operating procedure.

      "Ooopsie I did another privacy snafu."

      It turns out that Facebook has a lot of "rogue engineers" just like Google.

      You know the sort of thing, one person that accidentally collects every single Wi-Fi access point on the globe (cmon, it's happened to all of us) or that other single person that shared your private Facebook data with 150 other large businesses such as Microsoft and Amazon (what, you haven't done that by accident before?). It's the kind of thing that totally happens without anyone else like management knowing about it!

      Don't worry, they just "accidentally" shared your private data with 150 companies such as Microsoft and Amazon.

      https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/12/19/facebook_data_shari…

      • whooah1979 on 20/12/2018 - 10:13

        Cyber privacy is an illusion. Don't post on the Internet if you value your privacy.

      • macrocephalic on 21/12/2018 - 16:44

        While I totally agree, if I want to share photos with friends and family then FB is the easiest way. If I was concerned about the copyright, or they were private, or they had the potential to earn money then I wouldn't post them on FB. Holiday snaps and pics from gatherings can still go on there though (as far as I'm concerned).

    • smartazz104 on 21/12/2018 - 18:56

      Sounds like you don't use Facebook at all.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 09:51
    +2

    The precedent in this case is the Celebes crested macaque monkey selfie case. The monkey lost.

    • HighAndDry on 20/12/2018 - 10:40

      Lol. Did you just call OP a (macaque) monkey?

      • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 10:41

        Devilishly subtly ;)

  • Some Human on 20/12/2018 - 09:57
    +15

    I'm not in it for popularity, internet points or even Facebook likes

    Yes you are. That’s the only reason anyone ever posts anything on Facebook. If you don’t want them stealing and don’t care about likes, don’t post your photos. Simple.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:07
      +4

      Harsh, but you are probably right. I will definitely continue sharing my photos with my friends, so it will just be a case of suck it up princess for me.

    • jayniner on 21/12/2018 - 10:26

      " That’s the only reason anyone ever posts anything on Facebook."

      What a stupid comment.

  • CheeryCheapskate on 20/12/2018 - 10:19
    +8

    Photo stealing to me is poor etiquettes (to me) unless they've asked for permission first or simply tagged in the original photo to link it up. An exception I see is if the photographer is hired to work for them, hence, they've paid for the photos (despite it being nice to still be credited). Friends stealing casual photos without permission is still poor etiquettes in my opinion.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:20

      Thank you, and I agree!

  • CodeXD on 20/12/2018 - 10:19
    +5

    Are they in the photo at these social gathering? If they're in the photo and use it for their profile pic, then honestly I think that is fair game

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:24

      Yes, these are often group shots at parties or even portraits of them and their kids.
      I do admit that Facebook makes it an easy click away for them to re-use as profile pics and cover pics.
      But in most cases I think they just save the photos to their device and post them again in a new post.

      • HighAndDry on 20/12/2018 - 10:42
        +8

        these are often group shots at parties or even portraits of them and their kids.

        Okay this changes everything.

        Of course they can post up photos of them or their kids.

        • whooah1979 on 20/12/2018 - 10:53

          Of course they can post up photos of them or their kids.

          The copyright holder still have the final say on how their art is being used.

          • HighAndDry on 20/12/2018 - 10:57

            @whooah1979: Yeah, but then you get into arguments about fair use, use of likeness, etc, and ultimately OP in my view doesn't have a good argument to stop someone uploading non-professionally taken photos of themselves to facebook in a non-commercial setting.

            I was going to add an example, but this is like asking someone to take a photo of you, and they then later claiming copyright. Technically they could - because the copyright resides in the person who took the photo, but you'd never get that past a judge or court.

            • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 11:08
              +6

              @HighAndDry: I'm not trying to stop them from using anything, and it's not like I'm a professional photographer making a living off them, and needing to protect my commercial interests.
              In fact I am glad that they are finding good use and enjoyment out of my work.
              It's more the lack of acknowledgement, credit or attribution that irks me.

              An example would be cooking a nice dish and bringing it to a dinner party. Then the host takes the dish and transfers it to their own plate and serves it up, and when guests compliment them on the dish they say, "oh thank you, I"m glad you like it" with no credit to you.

              • HighAndDry on 20/12/2018 - 11:10

                @cuteseal: My first comment in this thread did say that you should have a chat with them about just giving you some credit.

                But honestly - you're taking photos of these people at parties. It's expected that they'd upload those, with or without attribution.

  • Ryanek on 20/12/2018 - 10:22
    +2

    Yeah, I wouldn't watermark it. I don't know about you, but anyone doing this for non commercial reasons seems really cringy. Especially for just some innocuous Facebook post.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:26

      I too think it's a bit cringey, especially if just sharing with friends!
      And yes if this was on a public website then I would definitely watermark.

      • Ryanek on 20/12/2018 - 10:29
        +5

        Mate, just let your friends have their glory and take some comfort in knowing you're the one who took the good pic.

        • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 10:59

          Thank you, that's a good attitude to have!

  • waterbottled on 20/12/2018 - 11:16
    +6

    just send a message or leave a comment "forgot to tag me as photographer ;) ".

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 13:45

      I do notice that there is usually another photographer that is part of the same social circle and gatherings, and admittedly he is much better than me. He also post-processes his work to the point that they have a very unique look (think filters and stuff). Whereas with mine I prefer a more natural look.

      I don't ever see his photos being re-used by others…. I'm not sure whether that means my photos more readily thievable, or whether people don't respect my work. Haha.

      • macrocephalic on 21/12/2018 - 16:48

        Probably more theivable because you don't have a recognised style.

  • minniethemoocher on 20/12/2018 - 12:06
    +1

    Do you tag your friends? Most people will share a pic they like if they are tagged in it. Maybe they are copying it because they aren’t tagged? I assume it’s only one or two people doing this as most people aren’t that savvy to copy and inset a photo on Facebook.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 13:46

      Hmm I don't usually tag them but sometimes Facebook will auto suggest or auto-tag, and I just accept those.

      • Lockieasy on 21/12/2018 - 00:12

        I was gonna ask the same. If you aren't tagging people then they have no choice but to upload it themselves if they want it in their album.

        I would try diligently tagging people and see if that makes a difference (assuming you can be arsed).

        • Agret on 22/12/2018 - 17:05

          I would try diligently tagging people and see if that makes a difference (assuming you can be arsed).

          Seems weird he would go through the effort of importing the photos into lightroom and editing them but then not be bothered to do the couple clicks it takes to tag people

  • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2018 - 12:08
    +2

    I'm a bit on the fence on this one. I feel like it is fair since they are actually in the photo themselves, but also it is just basic common courtesy to give credit for these kinds of things.

  • armdrags on 20/12/2018 - 13:00
    +9

    What about you? Your current avatar is not you and you yourself didn't give credit to the photographer who took that photo.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 13:47
      +2

      Touche!

  • BertieBrown on 20/12/2018 - 13:13

    Is something once uploaded to FB more or less in the public ether?

    It makes sense to give people credit for their work, rather than trying to take credit or ownership of something someone else did, but I imagine that once the photo is out in the world, well that’s that to a certain degree.

    I see a lot of people sharing a great many personal stories or photos on FB and wonder if one day they’d wish they’d kept those memories just for themselves, but, who knows.

    Just my thoughts.

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 13:55

      Yes, some very deep thoughts. I do keep close control over who I friend on Facebook and I also make sure my profile and posts are only visible by my friends. And to your last point I have become more conscious of what I post and these days, and rarely post private stuff - just occasional photos and memories of events.

  • djones145 on 20/12/2018 - 14:16

    off to bunnings to buy… some cement and harden up!

    like people say place a watermark, and lots of them!

    • cuteseal on 20/12/2018 - 15:02

      Ok thank you everyone, I think the general consensus is that if I'm posting on Facebook then it's fair game, and I should be less precious of my photos. After some reflection I agree - I should just be happy that people are enjoying the product of my work.

      • myusername on 20/12/2018 - 17:17

        when you put something out there for the world to see you put something out there for the world to steal

  • Ace Ventura on 20/12/2018 - 19:31
    +3

    If the photos are of them, did you ask permission to post them first? Did you ask permission to take them?

    • whooah1979 on 20/12/2018 - 19:43
      +3

      did you ask permission to post them first?

      Consent to post isn't required for non-commercial purposes.

      Did you ask permission to take them?

      Consent by the subject is normally not required unless the subject is an infant, or the act is of a private nature.

      • Ace Ventura on 20/12/2018 - 19:49
        +1

        It's not about consent to post, or take, it's about having the hypocrisy to post photos of others without their consent, then complain if those same people post them themselves.

        • whooah1979 on 20/12/2018 - 19:58
          +3

          You're confusing privacy laws with copyright laws.

          Op as the copyright holder of the works have exclusive rights to use, edit, manipulate, etc, their work as they fit as long as it don't infringe on the subjects rights (e.g sell the work without paying the subject).

          It's not about consent to post, or take,
          to post photos of others without their consent,

          Your questions was related to asking the subject for permission which I've addressed here.
          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/6752930/redir

          • Ace Ventura on 20/12/2018 - 20:25
            -1

            @whooah1979: I'm not confusing laws at all. My questions was not about the law.

            The law is not relevant. Your answer is not relevant.

            If OP is going to claim it's not socially acceptable for his friends to pinch and re-post the photos he took, then it is simply just as socially unacceptable for him to post the photos of his friends, without speaking to them first. What's so hard about that to grasp?

            • abb on 21/12/2018 - 14:44

              @Ace Ventura: What is the law if not a set of rules codified by a society?

  • jerjergege on 20/12/2018 - 19:47

    If you care that much, watermark it.

    • Rifraf on 20/12/2018 - 22:56

      Hmmmmm

  • Rifraf on 20/12/2018 - 19:50

    Could it be time for new friends?

    As someone who takes a few snaps, but doesn't utilise facebook, I'd be pretty miffed someone stealing my work.

  • jeka1103 on 20/12/2018 - 20:58
    -3

    The thing that bothers me is when people post photos of someone else's event without getting explicit permission - eg. it's wedding season right now, most couples pay thousands for a photographer for the day, however you go on Facebook to see other random guests posting photos and tagging the couple. Not only does it devalue the professional and their work but no one else has the right to post photos of someone else's big life events, it's not your day, it's theirs. Same goes for birthdays and parties of any kind, you don't know who was or who wasn't invited and what sort of repercussions the posting of photos of the event could have. I find it egotistic of the guest going 'Look at me, I'm at this event! I'm such a good photographer! I'm so social and popular and cool to be invited!'. Depending on context, I often feel bad for the host as it might not be a good reflection of them, the event they're hosting, and the reason they're celebrating.

    FYI I went with the 'Yes, anything you post on Facebook is fair game' poll option. Whatever is on Facebook and other social media IS fair game, both by social constructs and actual policy. I don't think the initial posting photos is fair game, permission should be sought.

    Back on guests taking photos at weddings, this article is worth a look:
    https://www.abc.net.au/life/unplugged-weddings-give-couples-…

    And google the term 'unplugged weddings' to see some horror stories, rather, horror photos of selfish guests ruining wedding photos of precious moments.

    • macrocephalic on 21/12/2018 - 16:51
      +3

      I think that, if the iphone snaps from wedding guests is devaluing the photographers work, then the photographer is not worth the money.

      I have hundreds of photos taken by friends and relatives at my wedding, not on of them holds up against the ones taken by the paid photographer.

  • SuperMid on 20/12/2018 - 21:22
    +2

    if op posts a picture of their cat and then i repost the picture of their cat and get more likes than the op does that make op's cat my cat?

    • Domingo on 21/12/2018 - 08:46

      yes

  • Vert93 on 20/12/2018 - 22:31

    Fair game but acknowledge the original owner/creator

  • Tuftsdude on 21/12/2018 - 00:32

    Put a small watermark at the bottom left or right corner so even if they share it, it'll be traced back to you.

  • Mumbles on 21/12/2018 - 02:58

    I'd just treat all social media posts like the wild wild west. Whatever you share about yourself is no longer in your control.

    I'm not in it for popularity, internet points or even Facebook likes …

    I'd highly recommend uploading photos to enthusiast platforms like Flickr.
    Use Facebook for keeping in touch with friends and events but upload your photos onto the photography websites.

    For your specific situation it's easier to just unfriend the facebook friend who is annoying you.

    Get creative with how you use Facebook. Maybe turn your best photos into your profile picture or background. That way your facebook friends who follow you will know where the first photo came from.

    There are other ways to share and curate your photos. Instead of posting onto your wall you might try only sharing photos to friends whenever you chat with them on Facebook messenger. Another option is to create photo albums of events and restrict who can view.

    De-incentivise people from copying your event photos by being patient and not uploading so soon. Eg. Would your friend still want to repost your Easter show photos when it's Christmas?

    If I was in your situation and it was a genuine friend who doesn't know any better then I'd think of it as a compliment. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
    Its your friend who is visiting your Facebook wall [ie. which is what you want]. Its your friend who is eagerly checking out all your posts/photos. Its your friend who you are taking photos for. ie. You still enjoy taking photos of events, its just your friend gets an added bonus.

  • kaleidoscope on 21/12/2018 - 07:33
    +2

    If they go to the lengths of cropping the copyright logos and ignoring your word, your statement as “they’re my friends and i want to remain as such” is moot. I have few suggestions.

    1. I’d watermark across the photo diagonally and not on sides so they cant cut it.
    2. Only upload mediorcre photos on facebook so you wont feel bad if anyone steals them and use a proper platform like flikr or something else for your best ones for the event.
    3. Seriously think twice about being friends with them… i’d downgrade them to acquaintances if they have no respect for someone else’s interlectual properties.
    • syousef on 21/12/2018 - 12:18
      +1

      This!

      Do not destroy your work with ugly watermarks. Ask politely for them not to do that. If they persist, onto the blocklist they go.

      • kaleidoscope on 21/12/2018 - 12:54

        I didnt mean to say destroy the photos… thats just for facebook and he still gets to keep the nice and shiny originals with him if anyone else wants to get them.
        Op’s at a situation where he does not want to block his colleagues on facebook and make matters worse.

        • syousef on 21/12/2018 - 13:50

          If people are going to see them on Facebook the photos they see are the "destroyed" version. The pristine originals you have locked up don't mean anything to someone that hasn't seen them. Watermarks are ugly and Photoshop is good enough that any unobtrusive mark can easily be removed by someone who wants to steal it badly enough.

  • Dr Grey on 21/12/2018 - 09:29

    anything is allowed on social media
    your photos are owned by someone else already and you agree to that the moment you post
    I would question your friends first
    and probably dont post photos at all anywhere in the first place
    stop complaining

  • SlickMick on 21/12/2018 - 09:32

    I know someone who prints her name on every photo. That makes her photos of no use to anyone else, but the feedback I hear is everyone things she has dibs on herself (and they disagree).
    I thought it would be better to want your photo to be shared. Stealing is a bigger compliment than words.

  • idonotknowwhy on 21/12/2018 - 10:27

    What did they say when you asked them to credit you?

    P.S. Don't DCMA (that would be socially 'wtf?' when they get taken down for copyright lol) and don't ruin them by watermarking.
    This isn't a technical problem to solve.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2018 - 10:42
    +1

    People actually do this, actual human beings do this?

  • brendanm on 21/12/2018 - 11:20

    Stick a huge watermark over it

  • manbearpig on 21/12/2018 - 11:34

    I don't think it's wrong of you to want a bit of credit OP.

    I once joined a meet up street photography group with a friend at the time (this is going back a few years). We ended up practising portrait photography on the streets. My friend was a dancer, and I took a great photo with him jumping and doing a pose. I spent time touching it up and posted it on Facebook. He never said thanks and set it as his display picture. He got a lot of likes and comments saying 'amazing picture', etc.

    All I would have liked was just simply some recognition. Just a simple 'thanks for the pic name' in the description. That would have honestly been enough. He's an amateur photographer himself, so I would have expected him to, of all people. I always credit people for their work, even if it's a smartphone photo.

    It got to me, so I sent him a quick message asking if he could credit me in the description like I wrote above. Just a few words is all that was needed. I'll admit that it felt a bit awkward to write such a message, so I kept it short and sweet, and I was polite. In the end though, he never replied and never credited me.

    As much as it got to me, I accepted that that's what comes with sharing things on social media. You can only hope that people will be considerate enough to do the right thing.

  • shd123 on 21/12/2018 - 11:39
    +4

    ok firstly, wow to the amount of people who think it's fair game to re-use photos posted of facebook - what is wrong with you. You should block the people who repost your photos from viewing them when you post new ones.

    • aussieolfaction on 21/12/2018 - 12:11
      +2

      I was astonished by the same thing!

  • aussieolfaction on 21/12/2018 - 12:10
    +1

    It's amazing how so many people think it's OK to post your photo as theirs. I'd like to give it the benefit of doubt, and assume that people are actually rather telling you not to get worked up about it, but it's NOT OK to post someone else's work as your own.

    Just watermark your photos, mate. And do leave a public comment on those "friend's" post telling they forgot to tag you as the photographer every time they do it. There's no reason for you to let them steal your work.

  • naru6705 on 21/12/2018 - 13:17

    Why don't you WATERMARK the photo, just like shtterstock etc.

  • Deliver My Food on 21/12/2018 - 13:42

    Ever shared a meme or anything on the internet for that matter that you didnt create yourself. Same, Same.

  • jno on 21/12/2018 - 14:14
    +1

    Unfortunately in this day and age everything is acceptable if you dont get caught

  • ozbjunkie on 21/12/2018 - 14:52
    +1

    I think this one comes under "imitation is the highest form of flattery".

    You have friends and parties and photos, life can't suck too bad.

  • sweetnipples on 21/12/2018 - 16:29

    What's facebook?

  • MilkDrinker on 21/12/2018 - 18:08

    You can always go the route of sneakily adding a signature that makes it yours, like adding the gangnam guy psy in the background of a big wedding photo.

    But people taking stuff is pretty much par for the course, for instance imgur.com a massive picture website that you can upvote stuff you like on has a culture of reposters whose only hobby is to steal other peoples work and claim it off as their own for points sometimes hours later

    https://imgur.com/gallery/snLplqq

    I hope you enjoy the ride regardless.

  • buckster on 21/12/2018 - 18:39

    Probably the biggest thing is are they making any financial gains using your photos? If yes then this is a definite no-no.

    Technically if the photos belong to you, they're not allowed to use them without your consent, but if you're not making money off the photos, and they're not using them to make money, then you can't really claim any actions against them that would be meaningful.

    Maybe photoshop some subtle blemishes in? (a few pimples, nose hair)

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