Using Photo Without Permission

[striderrider]

Recently I just got a bunch of phone calls from friends who saw a photo of me and my horse in a well known horse magazine (I will not name the magazine.) At first I was kind of flattered, but then they told me that the photo was paired with an article written by a trainer that not only am I not associated with in any way, but I am also strongly not a proponent of this particular trainer. It was actually quite embarrassing as I in no way want to be associated with this trainer or his "methods." I had people calling me saying "i had no idea you rode with so and so..." I have to say it was a little damaging to my reputation. So I go out and find the magazine and sure enough there is my photo and it's HUGE. Not only is it in there once on one page, but they have it in there TWICE on the inside of the cover also. In addition, this photo was taken at a clinic I was in with a completely different trainer! So this other trainer gets to use my photo to compliment his article, and my real trainer gets nothing? Do I not get a say in this? That's me and my fricken horse people, that I work very hard with to train. Thanks for asking. What would you do?

[Marchadors]

As long as they have permission to use the photo from the person who took it, I don't think there is much you can do. You could contact the magazine and ask them to state a "correction" (don't know what else to call it) that you are in no way affiliated with the trainer.

[alove4horses]

oh That IS annoying! You would think that in this day and age where you need permission for EVERYTHING or you will get sued that they would need some sort of release from you in order to use the photo. I guess that is how the tabloids get away with printing all those hideous photos of movie stars. As long as the photographer gives permission it's all good...

[FEIJuniorBound]

I would definitely contact the magazine and ask for a correction and then you can ask them what their policy is on using photos without permission. It seems odd that anyone can just go out and take a random photo of another person and then publish it and that person has no say.

[striderrider]

Thanks for the replies- I actually contacted them right after I made this thread. Still have not heard anything back from them.