Photography rights

Paul Simon’s song, Kodachrome, includes the line, "I love to take photographs." He might but many of us don't.

In fact, it can be a real PITA to have to stop work to take a progress shot or get a decent image of a finished piece surrounded by the aftermath of it's creation. The time needed to properly stage a decent image might well be the time needed to get the work delivered on time.

I thank the "powers that be" for digital imaging. No film, no darkroom, no waiting for the pictures to come back after processing. Any one with a cell phone has a decent digital camera within easy reach. My phone has an eight-megapixel camera, more than enough to capture a high-resolution image.

I always include a clause in my agreements that the client will allow me to revisit the job site for a photo session after the project is completed. This needs to be arranged up front so that the client does not feel imposed upon later when you spring it on them. And with a relatively inexpensive digital camera in hand, the need to haul in a bunch of equipment is a thing of the past.

I may not love to take photographs, but it’s certainly much easier today.

D.D.