How My Photograph Ended Up On Someone's Leg

So there was this 15 year old who would always browse the horror and macabre tag in DeviantArt. She got inspired by photography with dark moods so she got her camera and wig and took a picture of herself.

Why a clown? It was 2012, it was a trend back then. Everybody loves killer clowns. Plus being a teenager, I was into Bring Me The Horizon's "There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret." album. Hence, the title.

Well, I uploaded it on the internet. A year later, I found out that my photo got a bit famous and has been used in different sites and posters without my permission, of course (both personal and commercial use). But that's the internet. Whatever, use it, I don't care anymore lol. That's like 7 years ago anyway. And we know the internet is quite crazy with killer clowns. :p

Earlier this year, I received. a message on Instagram telling me he got a tattoo of my photograph. I was like Wuuuuuuuuut you must be kidding!

After confirming that's indeed my photograph, he sent me this.

I was like LMAO OMG YEH THAT'S ME and was amazed that he was really serious of having my face tattooed on his leg.

I don't know how other photographers will take this, but I am fine with it even though nobody asked me permission to do anything with my photograph. In fact, I am honored. Imagine your art, which you really love, getting tattooed FOREVER on their skin, bringing your art with them in their graves (unless they undergo laser treatment to remove it T_T). That's how they appreciate your work. And knowing that somebody appreciates my work, it is more than enough for me. And look at the tattoo artist's skills tho, so sick! He/she really did a great job!

I know I didn't get any money from the commercial usage of my art (not talking about the tattoo thing in particular), but just personally I am fine with it (this image in particular because I don't consider myself a professional photographer). Unless they claim it as their own and earned millions. In that case, I'm gonna be begging them for money because I'm broke. xD

But in general, we artists value our craft. We had years of training just to get the skills that we have now. We poured our hearts and souls into our work. So, if you want to commission artists, pay us right! No artist should be paid less just because it took him only 30 min of his time. Or just because she just took a photograph and edited it out.

I've seen a lot of artists getting frowned upon because they ask for a "high" price when in fact it was just the right pricing. And that is just really concerning. If you can't afford an artist then leave and do it yourself, bye lol.

To end this, I am just saying I was fine with the usage of this image without my permission but that doesn't mean ALL photographers are like me. Always reach out to them and ask for permission if you intend to use their photographs for whatever purposes. If they ask for a price, pay for it. We have bills to pay and equipments/materials to buy to create our art, you know.