Recently saw an article about DKNY using photos without permission. Perhaps it was an honest mistake; who knows? They offered a street photographer $15,000 for use of 300 photos. The offer was turned down in hopes for more money. However, DKNY had been using the photos internally "for inspiration". A few leaked out and wound up in a display at a store in Bangkok. DKNY made a public statement and pledged $25,000 to the YMCA. A noble gesture. However, if they would have offered the photographer a more reasonable price for the photos in the first place, this never would have happened! On my Facebook Groovy Reflections page some time ago, we posted a picture of teen girls at a high school gym class in the early 1960's. This photo brought a lot of discussion because of the uniforms the girls wore. So much so, that several months later, we decided to post the photo again. We used a viewer, Jeffrey’s Exif, to check the copyright of the photo before using it. There was none. However, this time when the photo was posted we heard from the photographer and he was not happy! He told us that he does put a copyright in the photo information. And yes, it’s possible to strip that information from a photo. We provided our source to him so that he could inform them of the misuse. About a year ago, I was contacted by Huffington Post; they wanted to use one of my photos showing advertising on a banana that they found in a blog I wrote. They ultimately decided not to use the photo; however, I was happy to grant them permission. I had used that photo for an article about finding advertising in odd places. For the record, I rarely use photos I find on the web and if I do, I credit them if there is any manner of copyright, though it’s unlikely I would use them at all in that case. My photo library of original material has thousands of photos in it and there’s no issues there. Most of the time, I put a watermark on them; it’s highly unlikely that someone will crop it or remove it. From time to time I take photos of pictures that are in out of print books. A favorite is a Vogue 1960’s coffee table book. Besides my watermark I add the source of the photo; just to play it safe! Likewise with catalogs; I own several vintage Sears catalogs. You know, the "bricks" with hundreds of pages that shows how we lived in the Sixties, what we wore, what our appliance looked like, and the furniture in our homes. Interestingly enough, Sears started following the Groovy Reflections Pinterest board on Sears fashions! If I'm misusing those photos in any way Sears, let me know, okay? I certainly hope you feel that this is a positive extension to your brand! In closing, take caution when using photos. As you read in my personal example, it’s easy to make a mistake! And to the corporations: Give the photographer what he or she deserves! Photography is an art and capturing that moment in the highest quality and at the best angle involves hard work and talent! The Clash had a successful cover version of a reggae tune back in the late 70's that spoke of authority and those who steal (see below). Don't get robbed by an "expert" marketer; for honest, experienced marketing visit our website, or stop by on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.
Frankly, I was shocked. That’s the likely reaction the creators of this ad wanted in addition to some laughter and a little romance. Initially, they led me astray. I thought I knew what brand was the commercial was representing, then ...WHAM! I was so wrong. Take a look yourself:
Did you think it was for Kohl’s too? Sears. What? Two good looking people in a classic truck from days gone by (was that an International Scout?) arriving for a day at the beach. Modern music with a carefree flair enhances the beach scene as the pair relaxes…with a turntable! Hold on now; these two were born in the dawning of the age of the CD not Aquarius. And you want to be there hanging out too…admit it, you want that car, you’d love to be dressed in those cool, crisp, casual garments, wearing smart sunglasses while wiggling toes in the sand with the ocean breeze caressing your face. Until the first WHAM! Then, the kicker; she thinks she’s a front end tackle too! HA! Bravo! In mere seconds we’ve transcended from “the softer side of Sears” into the side of a Kenmore French-doored fridge. Oh…yeah! Snap back to reality, to that dilemma that Sears has had for so many years. Selling appliances, Die Hards, and Craftsman tools right next to the clothing department. Does that formula still work? What exactly is Sears trying to sell us here? A refrigderator? Nah. Snappy duds? Nah. They’re trying to revitalize a brand with an approach that, to my knowledge, they haven’t tried before. They’re telling us it’s okay to buy trendy clothes at the same place you buy your appliances by painfully reminding us.
When was the last time you thought about the name Sears? I recall shopping at the huge downtown Hackensack New Jersey store with a fond memory of one of my brothers getting two pairs of the grooviest striped pants ever that included orange striping on both pairs. It was a family outing to go there and bask in the glory of a multi-story building filled with just about anything anyone could want. I remember a red dress with white polka dots that I wore at age 5 or 6; Sears, size 6X. But can Sears turn around their crusty, stodgy, Roebuck-name-excluded image and take on the likes of J.C. Penney (oops, JCP) and Kohl’s? The truth is: They need to try! Sears needs to shed much of their old imagery and revitalize. They need us as consumers to sometimes forget that they selling riding mowers. And they need to work harder at selling clothing. Personally, I don’t know of anyone who buys clothing there.
Sears did make an attempt a few years back when they brought in brands like Land’s End and Apostrophe. Will the Kardashian Kollection triple K threat succeed as their latest trendy brand? Can they give Kohl’s Jennifer Lopez a run for the money? Sears is digging for that younger, hipper demographic in this new ad. It doesn’t alienate other generations in the messaging. The spot promotes practicality, fun, energy, and lifestyle that anyone can relate to. The actors are young; the vintage elements in the commercial will resonate with Boomers . There’s something for everyone. Yes, this could work. Now if they’d only bring back the Wish Book! And if you're in for something less painful thenstop by and say hello!Twitter,Facebook,Google+, or thewebsite.
Note: Sears photos are of the majestic store in downtown Hackensack NJ and were taken August 16, 2012. The deco styled building once sported large sunny windows. Sigh.
Recently saw an article about DKNY using photos without permission. Perhaps it was an honest mistake; who knows? They offered a street photographer $15,000 for use of 300 photos. The offer was turned down in hopes for more money. 
About a year ago, I was contacted by Huffington Post; they wanted to use one of my photos showing advertising on a banana that they found in a blog I wrote. 
