I did a cake last month, and it was gorgeous. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera ( miscommunication, I've never done that before!) and I only took crummy pics on my phone. So the bride emailed me a link to her photographer's website, and there are some great pics of my cake. I'd like to have a digital copy for my site. Should I offer to buy the picture? I'm not really sure how photography works- would it be offensive to ask for the digital copy for use on my site? I'm definitely willing to buy it, but is it not ok to want to buy it for use on a commercial site....just don't want to get on the wrong side of another vendor Thanks for any input!

Definately - I would call the photographer - introduce yourself - and explain your situation (no camera on the day) - and ask if either they wouldn't mind sending you a few snaps via email ( you can still copy and paste then onto your site) - OR could you for a fee purchase a few photos for your web site.

If they email you a few - perhaps you could leave a link stating "photos coutesy of............ "

If you purchase a few photos from them then at least you might be able to pick and choose which ones you would like.

I don't see any worries with you contacting and asking them -
They could very well feel honoured that you would ask.

*** i have had (two) venues asking me if i wouldn't mind sending through photos i have taken for their collection - its all part of advertising and can work both ways.



Bluehue.

I'd call, tell them who you are, explain what you want to do (put it on your website with credit to them), and then offer to buy it. You can also if they have a price on digital copies or just prints.

If they choose to give you a copy or two free, great. I think it is better to ask though, since the prints/pictures are how they make their money after all.

I always (!) offered to buy the photo from the photographer but they always ..... with only one exception ..... gave it to me free in exchange for credit on my website.

There were times I forgot my camera and I would approach the photographer at the reception and tell him/her, "I forgot my camera today and would like to hire you to take some extra shots of the cake and my catering/catering staff today." Most were very generous and just emailed me pics with the request to be sure I gave them photo credit. (Be sure to do that biz card exchange thing!)

I am a photographer, and I must add that it depends on the contract. Sometimes the bride owns the rights to the images, other times (most) the photographer owns rights, but may not release photos without bride's permission.

I offered to buy a photo too, and the photographer gave me the photo for free, with their watermark on it so everyone would know WHO photographed the cake! I was fine with this because it helped us both out!!

Even if you have to buy the photo, it doesn't have to be fixed (can't think of the word) and cropped like pictures of the bridal party would be and also it wouldn't be mounted on cardboard. He/she may also sell you a digital image as is and you use as many times as wanted.