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Berlin photographers protest free photos
The Senate Office in Berlin, apparently in an effort to promote tourism, has made an extensive collection of images of the city available on-line at high resolution and free of charge on its website with some restrictions. The “free” use restrictions are explained in English on the site: "Visual material may be used, reproduced, or distributed free of charge only if the copyright notice for each photo appears in accordance with copyright law. Special conditions apply to commercial uses (e.g., the sale of any products), which the user must negotiate with the photographer." Nonetheless, the United Photographers of Berlin, a photographer trade association, has sent a letter to the Senate protesting the free image site on the grounds that it has completely undermined the market for Berlin images from photographers and photo agencies who license them. They requested the city administration take the free images down and refer interested parties to professional picture licensors. The protest letter (in German) can be found here. Stefan Hartmann, VISUELL
Posted in: News, Photographers, Stock Photo Companies
