Five Questions with Photographer Bryan Welsh

This week we would like you to meet Photographer Bryan Welsh.

1. What was the inspiration behind becoming a Professional Photographer? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?

I’ve had a career in other fields but 20 years ago I joined our family business as a second-generation photographer. For me the creative process is about creating legacy images for families that will last generations. Being a creative is a wonderful and extremely personal experience. The process starts with communication, sitting down with a prospective client to find out what is most important and to see where the portrait will be installed or utilized if i’s a corporate client. Next is the design process that includes both the photographic capture and the postproduction that elevates the project to a family heirloom, precious piece of art or effective media asset.

2. What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?

Professional Photography has a misconception that i’s only the time to take the picture that is involved and not the hours of learning and investment of time and resources to truly hone your skills to be a professional. Taking the picture is only the tip of the iceberg. So stealing our artwork is really stealing our time and effort as well.

3. Have you experienced copyright infringement and, if so, how has it affected you personally and financially?

Yes, over the years many people unfortunately have made reproductions of our images instead of buying additional copies. I’s made an impact financially the same way stealing does in any industry, including lost sales and profits to the company and everyone involved.

4. What do you do when you encounter someone stealing something you’ve invested your intellect, time and money info?

When we have encountered an infringement, the first step is to have a conversation and see if it was a mistake or oversight. If i’s clearly an infringement, we can only threaten to use the court system. In reality, if it comes to this step we are financially unable to fight and have to let it go.

5. What is the best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?

The most important thing I tell other creators is to be diligent in the fight to stop copyright infringement. Educate your clients and build respect in your worth as a creator and the products you produce. Join the fight to get copyright laws updated and make your voice heard.

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Are you one of our Individual Creator Members? Participate in our Creator Spotlight series! Please email us at cawebsite@copyrightalliance.org. And if you aren’t already a member of the Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form!