Friday, October 17, 2014

My Thoughts On Having My Pictures Shared Without My Permission

Do you remember my amazing Cambodian wedding photos that Hal and I had taken while we were still Peace Corps volunteers? You can see them here, and here.

Well, about a year ago within a short time multiple people sent me links to my pictures being shared across the internet. They were showing up on American Cambodian instagram and on Khmer news webpages. It was a weird feeling not knowing that these people were taking my photos without my permission and I had no idea they were being used unless someone I know saw them and let me know.

Then this month another volunteer sent me this:
                              
I guess in some ways I still don't quite know how I feel. I've heard horrible stories of bloggers having their photos stolen and fake blogs made up, and that just sounds terrible to me. It feels different than if someone in American was stealing my photos. Cambodia doesn't have copy right laws, and it just doesn't seem like they're stealing them for malicious reasons, they just like seeing foreigners in traditional wedding clothes.

While it feels really weird to have photos of Hal and I being shared around the internet without our permission or knowledge, and even though it may be a little bit creepy I guess I can't help but be flattered that they liked my pictures. Is it wrong to take a little pride in my stolen picture getting 600+ likes? 

So while I'd like to have my permission asked for, there seems to be a sense of innocence to them sharing my photos, so instead of being angry that they're using my photos, I can't help but laugh when it happens. 

Have you ever had your photos stolen? What are your thoughts on picture stealing?

8 comments:

Rachel said...

Thankfully, to my knowledge I've never had my photos stolen. I definitely think that the circumstances and what the photos are being used for affects how upsetting it is...but now I have to go check out this photoshoot you're speaking of, I've never seen it!

Unknown said...

I love their comments! If the comments were derogatory, I would hate it, but yous guys are like loved celebrities.

Unknown said...

P.S. I miss your freckles.

Tanika said...

I have RECENTLY had my photos and identity stolen. Someone created a match.com account in my name and used my pics from college. (Which I don't have posted anywhere so I am not really sure where they got them...) ANYWAY. It was SCARY and I am darn mad about it.

I also had someone take my pregnancy photos of my blog a few years ago and masquerade them as their own to fake a pregnancy. Luckily, that got shot down pretty freaking quickly.

It's not fun and it's not fair. But people are dirty and rotten and I am not going to let them ruin something I find relaxing and entertaining (blogging)

Tanika said...

I have RECENTLY had my photos and identity stolen. Someone created a match.com account in my name and used my pics from college. (Which I don't have posted anywhere so I am not really sure where they got them...) ANYWAY. It was SCARY and I am darn mad about it.

I also had someone take my pregnancy photos of my blog a few years ago and masquerade them as their own to fake a pregnancy. Luckily, that got shot down pretty freaking quickly.

It's not fun and it's not fair. But people are dirty and rotten and I am not going to let them ruin something I find relaxing and entertaining (blogging)

Jessica said...

Oh my heck! I'm so curious about how people find photos randomly and decide to just take them! I guess with sites like Pinterest, it's a lot more common to "share" photos that you see online. I'm glad yours are at least being shared in a sweet, naive way!

Ashley said...

hmmmm...interesting topic. The internet is a strange place. On the now hand we've opened our lives up through our blogs, on the other hand it's technically our property. I guess I am okay with shares if it's for a good use. But what you mentioned about fake blogs and profiles...well that's where I would draw the line too!

Selma @ Crazy Little World Of Mine said...

It's creepy. That is why I don't share many personal photos and all. However, they are out there and so far so good. Even commenting on a blog makes my comment be show all over...it's an iffy thing. On one hand we share stuff on instagram, blog, facebook, and elsewhere, and on the other hand we try to keep our life secret. You're lucky, your photos are awesome and they were happy to see Americans wear them so beautifully. Be proud of it and enjoy it. :) It's very flattering indeed.

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