How To Deal With Copycats in The Photography Business

     Some say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
There is a thin line between imitation and copy and some may even say they are the same.
I feel imitation in photography is when someone takes a photo and edits it with a style similar to yours but not exactly the same. Copy is when someone takes a photo with the same exact photo with the same pose, editing style, location, and sometimes even the same person! As a photographer just thinking about when someone is a "copycat" it can make you just cringe! But I'm not here to talk about what the definition of imitation and copycat are I'm here to tell you how to deal with copycats, so here we go!

Identify a copycat. You don’t want to just plain out accuse someone of being a copycat. The first thing you need to do is think about their actions and the situation in order to properly identify if this person is really a copycat. Consider the following:

• Does this "photographer" do the same things as you?
• Has this "photographer" taken photos similar or exactly like yours?
• Has this "photographer" ever taken photos of the same people as you at the same locations?
• Has this "photographer" ever stolen your ideas and tried to pass them off as their own?
• Does this "photographer" edit photos exactly like you, have a business name similar to yours, or have a logo almost identical to yours etc.?

Copycats can not only be annoying but in some forms it can be illegal. For example if someone takes a photo from your website and tries to sell it as their own that is illegal because it is stealing. I know you say why the heck would someone take one of my photos right? It happens more than you think because some people think by stealing a photo and using it as their own it will grow their following or popularity. Why the heck would someone want to take the credit for someone else's work right? Most photographers like taking their own photos and putting in the hard work because when that photo becomes popular the feeling of accomplishment is so much more rewarding! I don't see how people can take credit for someone else's work and feel accomplished because they did nothing to earn it!

(Something To Remember!) One sign you’re doing something right is when people start swiping and imitating. Because Someone is only going to take your ideas if they worth taking!

Now its time to get down to business and tell you all how to deal with the Copycat!


1. Protect Your Work and Ideas (Copyright)
      While it’s smart to develop relationships with copyright specialists and lawyers as your photography work and business grows, you have to be careful about how you go about protecting your work. Because in the end, the copycats and idea thieves will win if you don't take the proper channels to protect your photography work!

1. Watermark Your Images.  Add the copyright symbol and your name to every  image of your work that is online.  You can also include copyright on your website letting site visitors know that none of your content may be used without your permission and that there are consequences for ignoring your request.
2. Google Yourself.  Just a quick internet search can give you a lot of answers and if you see that people are using your images and work to help them grow their business/services. Try reaching out to the copycats and offered them two choices: 1st. use license/Give credit where it is due or 2nd. Take it down.
3. Google Your Images (Every few months or at least once a year). You can do this if you use a  Mac, drag the image from your site into the search box at http://images.google.com/.  a quick Google search for your image can show all the websites etc. where your images are being used.
4. Get a Lawyer.  If you are 100% positive you are being ripped off, contact your (a) lawyer for advice and to take other measures to fix the problem.
5. Don't Stop Creating and Posting Images. If you quit creating the copycats have won. That is what they ultimately want so they can take your business. It takes courage to be creative You are the one doing the work and putting yourself out there. They are copying you because you are doing something right and people are noticing you and that's why they try and steal what you have because they want what you have. For example the popularity but honestly as much as they want to be you it is physically impossible because there is only one you and that's the way it will always be!

So get on out there and do your thing! create, prosper, and love every second of it!

I hope this has helped someone dealing with a copycat problem! Because if this has helped just one person I have reached my goal!