Do I need permission to distribute/sell/advertise MY OWN pictures of animals in zoo exhibits?
I’ve taken some great shots from a zoo of some animals. I had thoughts to use them in some non-profit fliers and perhaps in the future sell the prints for personal gain.
Anyone know how this works with animals that you do not own?
Again, these are my pictures I took, of their animals.
How do I cover my butt….and/or….do I need to cover my butt?
If I need permission, who on earth at the zoo would be the one to talk to.
You need to check the terms of entry into the zoo.
Pictures taken for personal usage are 99.9999% of the time allowed.
Pictures for any sort of business/advertising etc will require a release from the zoo.
As to who to contact, if it is a large zoo then they will have a press office, smaller ones just get hold of the general manager initially.
Those photos are yours. You took them, even though the subjects don’t belong to you. You’re free to use them as you wish.
References :
Unfortunately, it’s not your image to use in most cases.
here’s the policy for one of the zoos near me:
"We encourage guests to take photos at the Zoo. As a not-for-profit organization, commercial use of photos taken at our facilities is strictly prohibited. Entering photo contests does not infringe on our copyright policies as long as photos taken on our grounds are not published. Lens size and other equipment is up to you; there are no restrictions other than please be courteous to other guests who may wish to get a close look as well! "
Some zoos will let you, other will not. Assume you can’t. There is usually a licensing, marketing or public relations department to talk to.
The big key is in your own question: Again, these are my pictures I took, of their animals.
THEIR being the key word. They own the animal, the property, and all rights to it. It is your picture, you have copyright to your picture, but you can’t sell every picture you take. Just like a picture of a person needs a model release, you would need a property release for the animals and grounds.
Will they sue you, maybe, maybe not. Are their lawyers going to be better than yours, and have a better case, YES.
References :
You need to check the terms of entry into the zoo.
Pictures taken for personal usage are 99.9999% of the time allowed.
Pictures for any sort of business/advertising etc will require a release from the zoo.
As to who to contact, if it is a large zoo then they will have a press office, smaller ones just get hold of the general manager initially.
References :