This is a topic, I know some will not like to hear about but there is something on my mind that I need to address. I see more and more people take images from my blog and post them on their own blogs or facebook/myspace, profile on theknot.com and so on. I did not have a problem as long as the images were kept the way I posted them in the exact size and with my brand identity (logo) on them. That way everyone that sees those images will know where they came from.

I just found out that all those sites (when you open an account) make you agree to terms which no one reads anyway, however one of the terms says that myspace/facebook, theknot… will own the rights to those images once you post (upload) them and they can do anything they want with them including advertising to others without having to ask the photographer for permission or pay them for that right. You can share or link to my blog on those sites as that is not considered “uploading”. We work really hard on those images and I am very proud of all my work and I don’t want it to be abused that way.

So with all that said, I don’t mind if you have a few images on your own personal blog/website but they will have to be kept intact. If you want to share your images with friends and family, you can send them to your client site or to my blog where I have posted your images. I know that copyrights and terms can be a long topic to discuss but I do have a page that covers all that here.

If you want to use them online anywhere and you are not sure and in doubt about the copyrights or if you are a vendor that wants to use images, please email me first.

Don’t get me wrong, I want my work to be seen in as many places as possible. I post almost everything I shoot and I really want to keep that going but I don’t want my images to be abused or create confusion in the market place. Happy Wednesday everyone :)

UPDATE:
I have been receiving some emails about this post for being perhaps to harsh. Look at this as an educational post. All I want is to encourage my clients/vendors to rather share (I even implemented sharing options on my blog right where the commenting box is) or link to my blog to where I post, you can even take images and use them but keep them as they are. I’m doing this in the interest of my business and my clients privacy right. To protect individuals, I have closed comments to this post, however if you like to express your feelings you can shoot me an email at stephan@maloman.com.

For my 300 post I have a real special announcement. A few weeks ago I posted a teaser about something that I was working on. Today I am ready to make the big announcement about my brand new studio/workspace located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River and across from the IMAX Theater. For the past year I have been looking for the ideal dream studio and this one is exactly what I was looking for. Killer urban location, just a few blocks from Las Olas, huge windows facing south (there is no better light for shooting with natural light than southern light) 14 foot ceiling in a brand new loft brick building. The studio is about 700 sq feet, which is not a lot but how much more do I really need?

If you check my blog on a regular basis you have probably noticed some images that looked different, more controlled in a studio environment. I have many projects lined up that I will be doing in the studio so stay tuned to find out. I want to get back to basics.

The main reason for the studio was that I wanted to get out of the house. Working from home was great for a while but I believe as my business grew, that it was time to take the leap and move into a studio where I can work and shoot, meet with clients or even take my clients out to lunch since everything is in walking distance. It also makes me respect work and personal time. Now when I go home, I don’t work till midnight like I used to many, many times but spend time with Candace and my dogs. Quality time.

I wanted to thank Candace and Ryan for his help when we moved with his truck and his tools (that guy has serious tools). Check out some of the images I took yesterday, and please do stop by if you are in the hood ;)

Studio is split into 3 areas. Work area on the left and meeting area on the right. Shooting area is on the opposite side


Shooting area with 3 different backdrops (exchangeable)


A few twilight shots for those who like it moody.

About 3 weeks ago I met with Elise and Alex to discuss potential wedding coverage in Dominican Republic next year. We also talked about an engagement shoot. They wanted to do something a little different so last week we met and did some experimental imagery. Alex was badly burned in an accident a few years ago and they wanted to embrace that fact and showcase it creatively. It was very challenging but I think I got some amazing results. I want to thank Julie for the make up, hair and styling. Shoot her an email if you need an amazing make up girl.

Check out just a few quick picks.

And here are a few more of Elise. She looked stunning.