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

  • SpotTheOzzie on 21/12/2018 - 20:38

    Wooow - dude takes photos with mates. Gets upset when mates repost the photo.

    C'mon mate. Lots of bs in life to get upset about, this isn't one of them. Sure if you're a pro photographer at a wedding than by all means negotiate $$$. If you're at Chad's 19th bday going around taking photos you've got an odd sense of appreciation. Be weary when you go into the workforce, because people won't give you a pat you on the back for doing your job.

  • happirt on 22/12/2018 - 00:27

    where exactly can I get these internet points? I'm interested…

  • Melong on 22/12/2018 - 10:08

    Ironically you are using an image of a celebratory as your profile picture without credit:/

    • whooah1979 on 22/12/2018 - 11:36

      Who is it?

      • MessyG on 22/12/2018 - 11:43

        Psy.

        • Melong on 22/12/2018 - 15:12

          Op op op op

  • MessyG on 22/12/2018 - 11:43
    +1

    While I don't think you'll get them to stop I do think it's rude. If someone has a pic on their FB from an event that I want to use on mine, I'll usually post it, tag the photographer and say thanks for the great pic. If I were you I'd make a joke out of it, like post on the photo "great pic! whose your photographer? ;)" given you've already told them to stop!

  • getho on 22/12/2018 - 12:15
    +1

    I'm a photographer. Not mentioning you when they repost your photos apart from anything else is unbelievably rude. Especially if they are not reposting your post. Tell them nicely to stop it! And yes do a little watermark. Post this same poll on a photography forum and see what you get 😜

  • Dack Smith on 22/12/2018 - 16:09

    Your work is your work.

    No matter what, permission is needed to repost your photos.

    Seek legal avenues to claim royalties from these facebook people.

    Make sure you get what you are entitled to.

    Thieves are everywhere these days…. useless lot

  • [Deactivated] on 22/12/2018 - 18:44

    It's more a lack of acknowledgement

    Just put a small overlay or whatever in corner to show it is your work.
    I have seen it in other photographs on internet. Just search google images, and you Will find many photos with a small text in corner at bottom. It surely wouldn't be hard to add something such as this.
    If a 'friend' then went out of they way to edit out the small overlay of text saying it is your work, well that would be a bit slack of them IMO.
    The small text overlay in corner at bottom etc, does not interfere with the image, if done right. See how others have done this, to get an idea of what works best.

  • taker on 22/12/2018 - 20:53

    Watermark

    • armdrags on 23/12/2018 - 00:35

      Can also windmark it with a fart ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

  • hasher22 on 24/12/2018 - 01:16

    Are they sharing or are they actually saving the photo then uploading them? I assuming they're not sharing the photo cause you said they don't give you credit.

    There's nothing really you can do unless you watermark your photo as people said. If they photoshop it out, then they're NOT YOUR FRIEND.

    Learn, adapt, survive

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