Should I sue my photographer? (asking again in hopes of more responses)?
813774
You have a several issues here.  One is that you have a he said / she said thing between the Pastor and her.  Two is that you haven't said if you have a contract, and if so, did it guarantee that you would get ALL photos ... good bad or indifferent.   Three is that creative people such as professional photographers have a right to control the quality of the work that carries their name.  Four is that you are using a very impersonal means (e-mail) for a very personal plea.  Five is that although your goal would appear to be the pictures more than anything, but the way you are going about it is all wrong.  \n\nMaybe the Pastor  did tell her no flash in the church ... and maybe he didn't.  Maybe he didn't make it clear that she could stay on the lower level as long as there was no flash.  Maybe he did tell her but there was something about that area that she felt would interfere with the images.  Professional wedding photographers usually know their stuff.  I'm not saying your Pastor is lying, but it sure sounds like there was a miscommunication somewhere.  You appear to be placing the blame on her, yet you did not hear the exchange between the two of them for yourself. \n\nWhat does your contract say?  Does it say that you have a right to every single photo taken that day ... test, overexposed, underexposed, etc ...  If it does, you have the right to those photos.  The photos you have video of her taking could have been test shots.  Or it could be a quality issue with those shots.\n\nPhotographers don't have a duty to release any photos that don't showcase their work properly.  I totally understand how you feel, but if the photos don't meet certain standards as far as the quality of her work, I don't think you can force the point.  Their livelihood depends on the quality of their work that is put out under their name and they have a right to protect that. \n\nYour best shot (pun intended) of getting these photos is by making a personal appeal to her.  Perhaps she will release them without it being branded as her work.  Call her up (no more e-mail!  You have been relying on an impersonal manner for a personal plea) and tell her that you understand she has standards for her work, blah blah, but that you really would like to see these photos as it is the only photographic record of the event.  Ask her to send a few to you.  Maybe they are so dark that you really can't see a thing, but it wouldn't hurt to look for yourself.  Maybe once you see the shots, you won't want them.  You are assuming that the photos are something other than orange brown fuzzy blobs.  If you can actually see something (no matter how badly), explain to her that although they are just bad shots to her, they mean the world to you and ask her to release them in a form that isn't associated with her name. \n\nShe probably hasn't responded because she feels that you are either asking for something that you don't have a right to or because she feels that you want to place the blame on her.  Maybe it was all her fault, maybe it wasn't.  In any case, even the slightest hint of blame, accusation or demand coming from you is going to put her on the defensive. If you want the photos more than you want to point fingers, try my approach.\n*********************\nok, I saw your update.  What does your contract or written agreement state?  Does it state that you have a right to every single photo taken by her at the event or only the ones she deems are usable and of high quality?
258394
Not me, I don't want to get sued.  If you got a question, talk to a lawyer
1065440
i would contact a lawyer
510307
Directly form the owner of the copyright. But do you really need THAT exact image? I doubt the fact, start browsing sites that offer stock photography for free, there's so much stuff out there that you'll soon forget about your current obsession, I promise you. Try sxc.hu for start. But look around, there's so many sites, no use getting stuck on this one image.
560261
yes, pay- then get a lawyer and sue.
569517
Not a cool thing to do, and you should apologize for it, but unless you're leaving out details, are people overreacting a little bit?  If she was wearing clothes, albeit a swimsuit, it isn't as though you broke any laws.  I don't see the blackmail side of it.  Did you demand payment from anyone in return for the photos?  Too many gaps in your story.  Sounds fishy.
910202
I found a website where someone did some research on the subject of photography. It explains quiet a bit of what you are referring to which is called, "commercial use." \n\nI would definitely look into hiring a lawyer and suing them for defamation of character, humiliation, and anything else that pops into you and your lawyer's head. \n\nI hope this helps you. Good luck!  :)\n\nP.S.\n\nThe co-workers that are harrassing you...ask them why they were searching a gay travel site?
484338
Sounds to me like you want to teach this person a lesson. Sorry to say that those are not good legal grounds for a lawsuit.  You will never find an attorney to take this kind of case on contingency.  So, if you really want to pursue this you'll have to do it out of pocket, which will be obscenely expensive.\n\nIf your reputation was not in fact harmed then I would say to have a talk with the person, their boss, etc and then let it go.
811027
i really do not think those pictures will matter because there will be a chance the judge or magistrate will think they were fooled around with so no luck there.... If this is your first offense you are prolly looking at a fine plus court costs and maybe some community service no sweat pay your fines and do the service...
78574
You could also use your photography at fine art shows...thats what i am doing to start off...i have my own website and do many art shows to get my name out and to make money...its a great way to go...theres a lot involved though, you have to be willing to spend the time and money and effort into it...but trust me, the aftereffects of it are gReat....i dont know how to make a link. but my website is http://www.angelfire.com/indie/screaminggrace
940010
Many post offices in the UK provide photocopy services for a fee. I cannot understand why you need a 'cheap' lawyer.\nTry visiting a local solicitors office and if you explain your problem, and, it is legitimate and legal, I am sure you will be assisted for a reasonable appropriate fee.
1078952
are they deriving any material/monetary benefit as a result of use of your picture? if yes..they would need your consent...if not, then that is a little tricky unless you are suffering some kind of loss/injury as a result...then i would get a lawyer
965184
No, not really. Technically the work is a product of the photographer and not you, so you would have to get permission from them to do it. Most photo places now offer options of having digital prints, as well.
981034
Probably not unless you get permission from the various establishments, especially if you are planning to make money from them. They may have let you take the photos but using them for personal financial gain is a different kettle of fish - the establishments themselves may be using similar images to make money in their shops and these would be covered under copyright. Always get permission first.
1115582
How much were your belonging worth? Do you have any proof, e.g., receipts, etc.? Not any attorney, but doubt you could sue for more than actual damages and court costs. Have you contacted the owner or insurance company.
799372
What you have described is just plain wrong and you have every right to be concerned.  I thought it was illegal to take photos without permission.  Sorry but I would have to confront the sick arsehole and if he continued I would brick his windows - anything to let him know that he's not wanted in the area x
913172
I am sorry but i really dont think you have much of a case considering that the paparazzi do it every day. if you did have a case i just think it would probably be more work than it is worth.