Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

[Mary S]

I was just wondering, if you want to show before/after pictures say on a gallery on your web page, do you need to get permission from the owner, or is it okay as long as you don't show anything that would identify it?

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

In order to play it safe, you should always get a release, especially if you are using it to promote your company. I would suggest speaking with an attorney to make sure you are complying at all levels.

Again, better to play it safe than sorry...

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

You could offer clients a discount on their current paint correction, or maybe offer a free minor service (tire dressing, paint sealant) and promise to mask their license plates or other identifying information to protect their privacy. I think most clients would be pleased to have their cars featured in a flattering capacity, but as Mike P said, get their release first.

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I always ask for permission from my customers to take and publish their vehicle photos on the internet or my website. I also ask them if they would like the license plate distorted and respect their request. One thing I always do is watermark my work with my domain so others cannot cut and paste my photos...

[Mary S]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

Thanks, I was thinking along those same lines, get a release, maybe offer an extra service for the rights to the pictures. Especially "before" pictures.

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I recently did a project in Feb 2010 for the Discovery Channel on some vehicles for a show that will air soon. I was asked to agree to a client/vendor confidentiality agreement and not to post any photos until the show airs........which I did. Hopefully the show should air sometime in the fall of 2010.....wait till you see this project, insane!

[Mary S]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I recently did a project in Feb 2010 for the Discovery Channel on some vehicles for a show that will air soon. I was asked to agree to a client/vendor confidentiality agreement and not to post any photos until the show airs........which I did. Hopefully the show should air sometime in the fall of 2010.....wait till you see this project, insane!

Be sure to let us know when it's going to air! I'd love to see it.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I recently did a project in Feb 2010 for the Discovery Channel on some vehicles for a show that will air soon. I was asked to agree to a client/vendor confidentiality agreement and not to post any photos until the show airs........which I did. Hopefully the show should air sometime in the fall of 2010.....wait till you see this project, insane!

x2 be sure to give us a heads up when its going to air. Congrats.

[JG_Detailing]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I never ask them if it's ok to photograph there vehicle's. All I do is edit there license plate. I tell them that I take photos and put them online on Meguiar's.

[Krzemienr]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

After my consultation with a client I always ask in person if it's ok that I take pictures before and after, I have disclosure they client signs on my receipts that gives me permission to use the pictures taken in any way I please.

[BrianPow84]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I do the same ask to make sure. Plus I think it makes the customers day knowing you are using there car for show

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I would certainly ask. Good relationships are built upon respect.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I always ask if it's ok and even offer to put the RAW images or JPEG on a flash drive for them. Most my customers like see the before and after images as it really shows them the true before and after.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I always ask if it's ok and even offer to put the RAW images or JPEG on a flash drive for them. Most my customers like see the before and after images as it really shows them the true before and after.

Very smart.

I was also thinking that if you ask the customer if you can take before and after photos, the customer knows that you intend to do a great job. Also sometimes people forget how bad the vehicle looked before it was detailed. Likely the customer will email the photos to their friends etc. Great for business.

[Funkster]

Re: Do you get permission to photograph customer's car for advertising?

I always ask permission, it is on the disclaimer and pre-work walk around sheet as well.

I also provide customer with a disc that has the before and after photographs as well as a small logo in the corner. As someone mentioned, good for business. Also, makes customers more aware of the total transformation.