Is someone selling my photo as his art? You be the judge.

[URY914]

I've been notified by a friend that someone is selling a piece of artwork on European eBay that has a VERY strong resemblance to a photo I took at Rennsport Reunion III. I've posted my RRIII photos on my flicker.com page and they can be downloaded, but I have not granted this person the rights to the use of the photos. I have all my photos noted as having "All rights reserved".

Here are the two photos: Mine first:



Here is the artwork being sold:



It looks as if he has made a few minor changes by Photoshopping in different wheels and removing the decals on the windshield. My guessing that he changed those items so it would appear "period correct" to the actual race car that ran in 1973.

The driver's helmet is the same, the 3/4 angle of the car is the same and the lettering on the tire is in the same location. I am 99% sure that is my photo.

Now what do and can I do about it? Contact the seller, but he is in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to his profile. Or do contact eBay if they even care. Or do I just say I'm being ripped off and get over it.

[allaircooled]

even the shadows are the same. I would say it's the same photo with some photoshop work done to it.

[Cdnone1]

Someone stole your image.
There is probably nothing you can do about it. Sorry.
What size files or images are you posting? If you are worried about this happening again you should make sure the images size is small enough that it's not worth stealing
I guess you could think of it as a compliment
Steve

[rusnak]

Couldn't you contact eBay and let them know?

[livi]

Not sure you can claim anything actually. Sorry to say.

I have been terribly wrong before however. Many times.

[Rick Lee]

Should have watermarked them.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Agreed - all the light phongs are identical. That's your photo, photoshopped and added to someone else's background. No doubt.

It looks like they deleted the window stickers and changed the wheels to make it appear "different enough", but it sure as hell looks like it's really your picture.

[Joeaksa]

Contact Ebay. Several people have had this same thing happen and Ebay ruled in their favor. One of them was a Pelican member.

[cashflyer]

1st, notify eBay that he is selling stolen copyrighted images.

2nd, If your images are something you stand to make money with, then start protecting your images with the following steps:
1) watermark all images - use at least a visible watermark, but seriously consider an embedded digital watermark.
2) Only post in low resolution and small image sizes

[URY914]

I'm going to change the size of the images I upload now. If someone wants a larger size they'll have to contact me.

God knows I've downloaded enough pictures but never for profit. Kinda sucks but not a whole lot I can do, the guy is half way around the world. Next time someone here goes to Bosnia let me know.

[Mule]

Originally Posted by livi

I have been terribly wrong before however. Many times.

I'm shocked!

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by URY914

I'm going to change the size of the images I upload now. If someone wants a larger size they'll have to contact me.

God knows I've downloaded enough pictures but never for profit. Kinda sucks but not a whole lot I can do, the guy is half way around the world. Next time someone here goes to Bosnia let me know.

You can always contact the winning bidder and tell him this story. Or contact eBay about it, though good luck trying to get a human being there to do something about it other than email you autoreplies.

[URY914]

Yea, I'll contact the winning bidders and tell them they just bought pirated artwork and INTERPOL will be coming to see them.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by URY914

I'm going to change the size of the images I upload now. If someone wants a larger size they'll have to contact me.

God knows I've downloaded enough pictures but never for profit. Kinda sucks but not a whole lot I can do, the guy is half way around the world. Next time someone here goes to Bosnia let me know.

you should post one of his on Ebay..

rjp

[sammyg2]

It MIGHT be the same image, but I don't see what the big deal is.

I'm not much of an artsy fartsy type so I have trouble seeing a picture as art or something of any value except as a memory or record of history.

[URY914]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

It MIGHT be the same image, but I don't see what the big deal is.

I'm not much of an artsy fartsy type so I have trouble seeing a picture as art or something of any value except as a memory or record of history.

Yes, but some folks are willing to pay $$$ for that memory. He is asking $300 US for my image on his $30 worth of canvas.

[URY914]

Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Martini-PORSCHE-911-Carrera-RSR-Targa-Florio-1973_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el126 2QQcategoryZ56421QQihZ011QQitemZ320256848360

[Stanley]

I'd report it and see what happens. If it were me I wouldn't put to much effort into stopping it...I can't see this guy selling that many. I like the line in the ad that says "Certificate of Authenticity included!" HAHA

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by URY914

Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Martini-PORSCHE-911-Carrera-RSR-Targa-Florio-1973_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el126 2QQcategoryZ56421QQihZ011QQitemZ320256848360

Looks like he has a bunch of photo-chopped P-car picture banners for sale. You might want to check his "other items for sale" to see if you recognize any more "works" of his. I would wager that he didn't take any of the pictures he is using.

[MattKellett]

I think it's a big deal and I would try and get it pulled from ebay - its your work, your effort that has been taken without permission. Sure some work has been put into making the banner, but it's mostly YOUR work!!!!

Matt