Unsure how to proceed

Jeff_J

Senior Member
My company is having Santa visit for the company’s kids. They are looking for someone to take the photos. So I volunteered. Not sure what should happen next. What questions should I be asking? Do I need model releases for all those kids and do I need a contract with my employer? I am not looking for any monetary payment for this. I am doing it mostly for the experience. The only catch that I have right now, is they want me to use our marketing departments camera, and I want to use mine. I am familiar with my gear and not theirs. Besides they use that “other” brand. I understand it is probably for liability reasons, but I really want to use my equipment. So what other questions should I be asking?
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Never done done anything like that but i would use my own gear,for a first time you will feel some pressure so you need to be comfortable with the gear,as for not charging ime ok with that but it wouldn't hurt to suggest parents make some contribution to something like a ex serviceman's charity in exchange for the images.
 

Jeff_J

Senior Member
Thanks for the suggestions. I like the donation thing. That is kind of the way I see things, so I certainly could make something like that happen.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
If you use their gear,then they may be able to claim the rights to all the photos you take as if you are working for them to do this. I'm not positive, but since their gear is for company use, this would be my guess.
I would say I'm donating my skill, and I will use my own gear, but thank you anyway.:)

My company is having Santa visit for the company’s kids. They are looking for someone to take the photos. So I volunteered. Not sure what should happen next. What questions should I be asking? Do I need model releases for all those kids and do I need a contract with my employer? I am not looking for any monetary payment for this. I am doing it mostly for the experience. The only catch that I have right now, is they want me to use our marketing departments camera, and I want to use mine. I am familiar with my gear and not theirs. Besides they use that “other” brand. I understand it is probably for liability reasons, but I really want to use my equipment. So what other questions should I be asking?
 
Using gear other then your own is a recipe for disaster. You know your gear and can take care of any hiccups that might come up.

Tell them you will use your own gear. IF you use theirs and there is a problem you will be blamed and it will reflect badly on you,
 

Jeff_J

Senior Member
Thanks everyone for the advice. Just reaffirms my opinion on the gear. What about any paperwork or potential legal stuff? I am not worried about them retaining rights to the photo. I do not see a use for employees kids or grand kids Santa photos.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
Sounds like you'll be acting in an employee capacity. They'd own whatever results, and they'll tell you what you'll need... I wouldn't worry about anything other than showing up and doing a good job.

I'm curious why, when they own equipment/department (and obviously people) that they'd step outside that venue and ask you to take the pictures??
 

Jeff_J

Senior Member
You are correct, I would be taking the pictures as an employee.

I am not sure about why the department is not doing it. They do other events, so I was surprised. But maybe since it is a weekend event, they are not available.
 
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