Downtown Atlanta

I added a new photo to the Atlanta section of the Website. I took this photo a few years ago, and it got lost in the shuffle. 

I often have a photo that I'm not sure I want to use but when I go back through my files, something catches my eye. This was one of those photos.

I've always liked the striking view of the Capitol building as it sits behind Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, at least from that angle. It gives off the whole "church-state" vibe. 

I could get philosophical and wordy here about why I added in the lightning, but I'll leave that for your imagination. 

I'll save the wordy for this morning's rant. I'll try to keep it short.

Atlanta Photographer Rant

This morning I had a lovely comment from the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown about a recent photo I posted. It's this photo:

This is what they said on my Instagram: 

Wow Susan, we love this pic and would love to post on our social. Please review our terms here https://bit.ly/39OiUES. If you agree, pls let us know. Thanks!

It's nice having my work recognized.

I REALLY appreciate it. But, goodness - that little link there? 

I'll save you the trouble of clicking and reading.

Hyatt Regency wants me to give them my photo, in perpetuity, to do whatever they want with it, including using it in advertising campaigns, marketing collateral...you name it. And they want it all FOR FREE!

One would think the Hyatt Regency could afford to pay for a photo. And I'd even let them re-post it on their IG for free, with credit. 

I just sort of snapped this morning because I get these all the time. I've had so many big companies reach out wanting to use my photos but they always include these links that say if I agree to let them re-post on their site, they get to own my photograph forever. 

No thanks.

When was the last time someone asked the head of marketing for Hyatt Regency to work for free? My guess is never. 

None of these big companies have any problem reaching out and asking me and my fellow photographers to work for free. It's annoying and more than a little insulting.

I'm so tired of hearing, "It's great exposure for your work!" I can't eat exposure.  

It's taken me years of education and experience to get a photo like that. I have to pay for camera equipment, computer equipment, my website, marketing, etc. And don't even get me started on file storage. It's the bane of my existence.

I spend a lot of time taking and then editing my photos to get them exactly the way I want them to look. There's a lot of work involved, not to mention the stress of putting myself out there as a photographer and artist. 

I love what I'm doing but it's not an easy way to make a living and when someone asks me to work for free, it's triggering! 

Rant over. 

I hope y'all are looking forward to a wonderful 4th of July weekend! 

The 4th is my fave. 

I'm a huge fan of fireworks. 

It's supposed to be a nice day here in Atlanta with a high of only 82 and no rain predicted! Here's hoping!

See you between the raindrops...tomorrow and Friday!

xoxo,
Susan

You can find the new photo on my site here.