I didn't intend for my 1st post today to be a rant but I have to get this out.
I'm sitting here angry & crying because when I logged into one of the sites where i sell my photos, I saw an announcement congratulating an "artist's" sale of their photograph of a Mark Rothko painting. I checked out her shop and that's what she does. She goes into museums and photographs art and has tons of sales.
I'm struggling to get sales of my original photos but people will buy photos of other people's art. 🤬
@see_the_sus That is ridiculous. And also, is that legal? Seems shady.
@WendyForbes @see_the_sus My same thought. If that isn't illegal; it ought to be.
Photographing a painting is one thing. Proceeds from any reproduction of a painting (print or photo) should go to the original artist, though.
I'm pretty sure that while photos can be taken in most museums, you're not allowed to profit from them.
But non-artists are typically completely clueless and far too many websites ignore it because an artist's sale gives the company money.
It just hurts my soul. Marketing, especially online, doesn't come easy for me. I put in hours editing, finding the right keywords, the right title, and description, and then uploading and adding prices. It's exhausting. 😢
I'm going to reach out to the museum because their policy states,
"Photography for personal use is permitted except where specifically prohibited."
Received a reply already!
I’m glad I reported the asshole but it doesn’t soothe the anger and defeat I feel. 😞 There’s plenty more fuckers like this out there and not enough willingness to stop it.
@see_the_sus ah. The we are looking into it reply. Wonder if they will actually do anything. @S_r_stone
When I read, "We look forward to welcoming you soon." I thought about replying, "For my effort, it'd be wonderful of your organization to fly me out there so I can enjoy the beautiful artwork at your museum."
@see_the_sus Ha ha. It’s not too late to reply! @S_r_stone
@see_the_sus @WendyForbes Turn' em in.
I mean if I make a copy of a CD I purchased and started selling those copies online then I am sure the distributor would come after me.
@S_r_stone @see_the_sus I agree. People will keep doing whatever they can get away with. Report them!
I sent an email. I called but it was just a recording of; “Press 1 for hours,” etc.
@see_the_sus It is a ton of work. I’m not sure I know any artists who enjoy that aspect of trying to make a living. @S_r_stone
Neither do I but I know some who are a lot better at it than I am. And don’t have the anxiety attacks I get when I get stumped or hit a wall.
@S_r_stone @WendyForbes
They even say in the description of the Rothko, "The painting was photographed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C."
People's comments are shit like,
"A beauty"
"Great photo! Congratulations on your sale!"
"Beautiful artwork! "