Business Considerations

Legal

In the ‘West Australian' (Sat 1 March 2003) is a story (‘Photo case concerns for judge') of legal action being taken against two Perth photographers by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Department's case alleges that the photographers were soliciting business with the promise of future employment, which did not eventuate. This is not the first case and it won't be the last. There are two points here: First, Australia is now the second most litigious country in the world after the USA. Second, as cases like this reach the public eye, the image of the photographic industry is somewhat tarnished. (We are never likely to see a story ‘Schools photographer completes his 50,000 shot!')

               USee Appendix 1 ‘Photo case concerns for judge'U  (1p)

Considerations:

Public Liability Insurance:
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Workers Compensation:

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Equipment Insurance:

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Employment Insurance:

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Here are some of the things that could be an issue for you:

• Personal injury to the people you are photographing
• Damage to the client's property
• Personal injury to your photographic assistant
• Accidental damage or loss of photographic images
• Gradual deterioration of photographic images
• Disputed ownership of negatives and/or copyright