So today I got a phone call from a good friend and it started something like this:

Friend: Ricky...
Me: hey wassup?
Friend: Waz going on? You didn't tell me bout the story in the Post today when I spoke to you last night
Me: What are you talking about?
Friend: some model is suing a photographer named Rick Day for sending his photos to a gay magazine
Me: (laughing) It's not me, but I know exactly who they are speaking of...there's this great photographer named Rick Day (as opposed to Ricky Day...which is what people call me)/I'm sure that is who they are talking about as I have never shot for Genre Magazine
Friend: oh ok...cool

It was sorta funny to me until I thought about it...rumors get around fast and take on a life of their own if you don't set the record straight early. So for the record there is a white male fashion photographer named Rick Day who is very talented and of whom the story is about. I am Ricky Day the visual artist (painter) who is also a photographer. Any model I shoot is clear what the uses of said images will be and I follow up with release forms.

So as usual I think there is a lesson here for all and I'd like to share it. For models, please understand that as I understand it generally the photographer has rights to do whatever he or she wants to do with images because they are the copyright holders. However, photographers please know that if you want to use images for commercial purposes (sales of books, calendars, prints, etc.) you should have signed release forms stating all the approved uses as added protection of your rights. Like in any business deal or relationship, it is best to define the terms and expectations in the beginning so you don't have to deal with a mess in the end.

Enjoy ya weekend everyone.