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what to say when someone re-edits your work on instagram

How to Respond When Someone Re-Edits Your Photos

March 21, 2017

You shoot the wedding.

Woohoo!

You edit + deliver the wedding.

Yesss! Finally done!

You submit the wedding to blogs and magazines.

Fingers crossed!

You publish the wedding.

YAY!!! Party time!!

But what do you do when the process isn’t quite so smooth?

How to Respond When Someone Re-Edits Your Photos

Check out this recent issue I came across in one of the photography groups we’re apart of, and see how I responded!

I recently had my first ever session get published on a third party blogsite, and the editor shared one of my images on Instagram, tagged me … but they had re-edited the image! Should I say something? Should I let it go? I don’t want to upset the editor but I spent a lot of hard work perfecting my images. What do I do? Help!?

– Re-Edited and Confused

Oh gosh, Re-Edited, that’s definitely a yucky feeling.

First – let’s celebrate you getting your first session published – that is a huge accomplishment, and I’m super proud of you!!

But let’s get down to business: you definitely need to say something. Why?

If you don’t stand up for yourself or your work: WHO WILL?

Every single blog, publication, Pinterest pin or image share on social media is an opportunity for countless numbers of potential clients to learn your name, see your aesthetic, fall in love with your service/product and hire you.

Every. Single. One.

But let’s be honest with each other: No one cares more about you or your work than you do. Often times, people just don’t know the ‘rules’ so-to-speak about sharing images online. Yes, even blog editors and other vendors in the industry!

I’d recommend reaching out to the editor personally about the faux pas, and in a kind but firm tone let them know that:

  • You genuinely appreciate being selected for publication among the many entries they receive.
  • How excited you are to see your images on their site and social media.
  • That your images are not to be re-edited, under any circumstances.
  • And WHY they should not re-edit your images. Personally, I just don’t want anything out on the internet or social media with my name attached that isn’t representative of our brand or aesthetic.

 

This is exactly what we would write in a direct email or message to the editor:

Hi (Editor’s First Name)!!

I’m so, so, so excited to see that this wedding (provide a link) was recently featured on your blog!!

I wanted to reach out because I noticed that this photo shared on Instagram (provide a link or screenshot) was re-edited, and as an artist and business person, I want to protect the portrayal of my style and aesthetic whenever my work is shared – especially online!

For future postings, can my photos please be shared just as I submitted them? This means no filters, edits, vignettes or alterations – so that potential couples that see my work while they are visiting your social media accounts and blog/site aren’t seeing something that truly isn’t representative of me, my artistic style or my business.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate being published on your site and can’t wait to submit to (Blog’s Name) again!

Short, sweet, and firm but kind!

Remember, Re-Edited, that you’re running a business and you have to protect yourself. If you come from a viewpoint of kindness and grace, people will respond to it much better than attacking them – like my mom always used to say, you attract more bears with honey than vinegar!

https://ashdurham.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/how-to-respond-with-kindness-when-someone-re-edits-your-work-pin.jpg

Leave a Reply

  1. Ashley says:

    THIS is perfect!!!! ???????????????????????? So many people don’t know how to respond without burning bridges, but you just provided a PERFECT response!

  2. Candi says:

    Great insight!!

Heyyyy ... I'm Ashley Durham and I'm a luxury wedding photographer in Phoenix, but I travel all over Arizona and the desert southwest to hang out with the most incredible people. I am obsessed with puppies, extra hot coffee, sunrise and firmly believe that love conquers all.

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