About Bob Todrick Expertise I can answer questions on most areas of photography. Though fine-art nudes is my main focus, I can, as well answer most questions dealing with darkroom processes (including many alternative processes).
My expertise does not include digital.
Experience I have photographed since 1975. Among my clients have been a number of major retail department stores (the Bay, Eatons). I photographed for Canada's premier motorsports magazine for a number of years, and have done much portraiture and wedding photography.
In 1990 I gave up shooting professionally to concentrate on my fine-art work and have had numerous group and one person shows since.
Organizations Co-founder of the Group of Several.
Publications Numerous newspaper and print ads.
GRAPHIS photo annual.
Expert: Bob Todrick Date: 5/8/2007 Subject: model wife
Question My wife and I have ben separated for 3 yrs., but in the past I have been using her for a model to paint compositions. I have reference photos of her that I would still like to use. I had taken all the pictures myself. My question is : can I use these photos for collages or paintings , do they belong to me? ( I dont have to make it look like her when I paint a figure.) Does she have any legal right to the photos? ( I am not a pro photographer) THANK YOU
Answer Usually, if the person in the image is unidentifiable you are permitted to use the image. This means both the face and any marks or irregularities that someone could recognize (tattoos for example, or a birthmark).
However I would suggest a couple of things. Laws pertaining to copywrite and model release vary from country to country. What may be safe in the U.S. may not be so in Canada or Europe, and as you do not state where you are from I would suggest contacting a local lawyer just to be sure.
Another thing to consider is whether your ex is aware that you would still be using the photos. I would suggest you tell her your intentions (after you contact a lawyer and are sure of where you stand). What you don't need is for her to walk into a gallery or such where the images are on display. Even if you are legally on safe ground...morally you wouldn't be...if she took it to a lawyer it could get ugly.
