What's abuzz in the photography world this month?
1. Fair Licensing
Watch the video interview (including a transcript) with James Allsworth, Head of Content at Alamy, in which he shares how Alamy addresses photo copyright infringements using the Fair Licensing approach. He discusses the benefits of handling infringements directly rather than through third parties. The conversation also covers topics such as the nature of infringements, how infringers respond to direct contact, tips for other agencies considering adopting Fair Licensing and more.
2. PetaPixel
Music photographers are protesting "copyright grab" contracts enforced by major artists. These contracts demand that photographers waive copyrights, moral rights and credit for concert photos while requiring high-resolution files for unrestricted use. Photographer Steve Ritchie declined to shoot Marcus King's London gig over such terms, calling them increasingly common. Similar practices have occurred in other industries where artists have had to share uncredited photos or lose access.
3. Shotkit
Google Photos has introduced a feature to identify images modified or created with generative AI, including those stitched from multiple images. Launched at the beginning of November, it allows users to view AI-related details in the image info section of the app or web platform. It uses metadata based on IPTC standards but does not yet adopt the C2PA standard. Google aims to enhance transparency about AI edits and plans to continue improving the system based on feedback.
4. Euronews.
Cristina de Middel, president of Magnum Photos, has voiced concerns about the misuse of AI, sexism in photography and challenges to photojournalism. At the Princess of Asturias Award ceremony, she emphasized Magnum's role in maintaining trust in images amid growing disinformation. De Middel highlighted the threats AI poses to photography, with technology enabling the creation of misleading content and diminishing resources for in-depth storytelling.
5. Digital Camera World
Liping Cao won the $200,000 HIPA Sustainability Award for Quiet Power, a black-and-white photo of wind turbines at Australia’s dry Lake George. Captured in May 2021 with a 12-year-old Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the image highlights the connection between nature and renewable energy while addressing climate change and pollution. Cao hopes the win will raise awareness of environmental issues and the urgency of taking action against climate change and overdevelopment.
Would you also like to learn more about Photography Copyright? We invite you to check out the Fair Licensing Copyright Guide.
For more Photography-related content visit our Blog.
That's all for now. See you next time!