That is well said, Ross.  Thank you for "illuminating the essence and clarifying the conundrums" (Monty Python-Jabberwocky).  "Help!  I'm being repressed!"  (Monty-The Holy Grail)  :^)> Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 16:03:50 -0700> From: > Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] MOS Breeding Bird Atlas Photo Contest> To: > > One of my pet peeves with conservation pubications has been the expectation that photographers will bend over backwards to donate their images for publication. I see nothing wrong with donating any in-kind service, but George is fundamentally correct. According to US Copyright law, there is no tax deduction for the donation of intellectual property rights such as the licensing of photos. The only type of deduction that is allowed is the cost of materials in production, in this case the film on which an image is produced. With digital imagery of course, even this is not allowed.> > I whole-heartedly support donations to conservation, have frequently donated both cash and images myself, but donations need to be given freely of one's own choice. The expections that photography, especially nature photography, is free have become too high, in my opinion, and have largely undermined the value and quality of nature photography. > > Rather than propose unreasonable terms like these, I suggest that in the future conservation organizations and publication projects such as the BBA allocate reasonable funds in their budget that will cover the fair market value for licensing photographers' images. This quite simply should be viewed as the cost of doing business. Otherwise, it's only clip art.> > Ross Geredien> Good Migrations Photography> > Gerald & Laura Tarbell <> wrote:> Folks, when we got two of the best birder/photogs in MD griping about a> "photo contest", you can bet the thing needs afixin'. I would prefer to have> good photos, not something submitted by lesser talents who were willing to> meet the ridiculous rules.> Whoever came up with this lame idea- fix it. I vote for good photos. And> George and Jim can supply plenty of them.> > Jerry the Expert> > Anybody buyin' that bit of malarkey?> > > > > Ross Geredien> Good Migrations Photography> www.goodmigrationsphoto.com> 1-610-850-5035> > > > ---------------------------------> Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. > 
_________________________________________________________________
Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Café. Stop by today.
http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWLtagline