copyright issues????

[rnscrapper]

I was planning on doing a political layout and was wondering about putting pictures of the candidates on my layout. But I was wondering if I will have trouble with this. Does anyone know about any trouble using their pictures?
Thank you

[SuzanneCWalker]

Hmmm... That is a GOOD question! I don't know the answer, but will bump this so someone else (who might know!) can answer! :)

[mommabyrd2003]

I did a quick search and it seems to me after scanning several sites. Candidates are considered public figures, so as long as the photo is taken in a public forum it is okay to use. The catcher seemed to be the photo has to have some newsworthy editorial purpose.

As far as photos not taken personally by you, it seems the same copyright laws as with any other copyrighted photo stand. This means no use of newspaper or political ads without permission from my reading.

I'm definately not a copyright expert. I just did some quick searches of copyright laws.

[Song Catcher]

I have used a picture that belongs to me of a political figure and even though it is mine, I still acquired permission from the campaign.

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=237699&ppuser=96537

[kathleen08]

Song Catcher ... do tell, how did you get such an audience and impressive photo of the Romney family? I assume by "it is mine" means you took the photo?

~ Kathleen

[AmieHiggs]

If your using the image for personal use you should be ok but its a big no no if you plan on making money off it.

[Song Catcher]

Again, in my case concerning the picture of the Romney Family I used in two layouts, I repeat that it is my picture and I own it. I also have permission from the Romney Campaign to use it on the DSP site and on my profile on MySpace. Even though I own it, it is still copyrighted so I had to get authorization to use it. Jackie

[papagodesign]

This topic has been discussed on many lists.
I'm not an expert, but here is what I have gathered.

You can photograph anyone in any public space, but you cannot necessarily use the image publicly. There are a lot of grey areas surrounding this issue.
Any image of people you use, may require a model release if you intend to publish. There are exclusions for journalistic/editorial use etc. I'm not sure about the details
The internet can be considered a publication medium.

If you use anyone else's photograph, you either require permission or need to credit depending on the license.

Lots of people use all sorts of images and get away with it. It all depends on how public your image will be and if someone takes offence or thinks they can make money by suing you.
My suggestion would be to look up the relative government/state legal websites. There is no easy answer and photographers are constantly debating this topic.