50+ Photo-Sharing Tips For Traffic and Against Theft

Do you think your photos (artwork, videos, etc.) are good enough to sell? If so, you might wonder about issues such as privacy, theft and the best SEO practices for sharing your photographs. In this article, Linda shares tips that anyone can use to bring attention to a site and to a graphic design or photography business. At the same time, she shares tips that can help protect you and your photos from theft, privacy concerns and more.

Prints and Cost

1.You might be happy with a free gallery site; but, if you order a number prints over a period of time, you might compare the cost of a site that offers free or cut-rate prints to that free site that does not offer prints.

2.Some pre-paid sites offer the lowest deals on prints. Don't rule those sites out when you shop around.

3.Avoid shipping charges by choosing sites that produce prints at local drug or retail stores. You may save money by picking up those photos in person rather than having them shipped.

4.If you just want to share photos with friends, use a free service. Some free photo galleries allow privacy as well, so only friends can view you drunk as a skunk at that last party (be warned if you skipped the categories above).

5.Sharing prints digitally provides a great way for your friends or clients to pick out the prints they want and can help you save money (especially if you offered to buy the prints).

6.The one email you may enjoy receiving is the one from an online gallery announcing a one-time sale that lasts for one day only to members. Be sure to sign up for any news options that your online gallery choice might offer.

Conclusion

The only way to truly protect yourself from lawsuits and your photographs from theft is to put away the camera and to not upload any photographs. With that said, the tips above can help you get a grip on how to share photographs with some degree of confidence, tact and within legal boundaries. While many professional photographers are well aware of the issues listed above, my concern is for those who want to enter the field of photojournalism.

Without proper training, many iReporters may find themselves in hot water over photographs that violate other peoples' rights as well as their privacy. Even professional photographers have come under the gun lately in a variety of situations. Here are a few such issues, and they serve as reminders that photography is more than having great equipment and skill – photographers also might need a good attorney:

• Michael Moore In Legal Trouble With War Photographer: Even Michael Moore may forget to ask for permission to use a photograph.

• BASE jumper lands photographer in trouble: If you're going to shoot and display illegal activities, be sure to hire an attorney first.

• Australian Photographer in Trouble Over Nude Exhibits of Pre-pubescent Boys and Girls: My advice? In this day and age, don't bother photographing anyone under age 21. Even then, protect yourself with legal forms and permissions.

• Canadian photographer Jill Greenberg in trouble with The Atlantic over manipulated photos of John McCain: No matter how much you dislike someone, don't be sneaky about your dislike. Even public figures may leave politics one day and that would leave them open to sue your butt from here to kingdom come, especially if you continue to display those photos.

• Photographer sued by subject over long-distance street shot: How do you feel about this issue? What if you were the subject and someone was making $20,000 for each image of your face?

• Christian Photog Sued by Same-Sex Couple: Was this a set-up? Beware of avoiding jobs, especially when you violate human rights issues.

• Gerard Butler in trouble for hitting photographer: Lastly, remember that some people just don't like photographers. Expect a punch, kick, or a car running over your foot or something similar if your line of work leads to photographing celebrities or punch-drunk weddings. Just remember to retain a good attorney to defend your case in court.