@Chronomyst

Did you internally want to believe that they weren't bs-ing you, or perhaps you just wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt?

@AnnieBuddy

Thank you very kindly! 🙏🏾

Photography is my purpose and passion in life. It's also a struggle, but one that's worth the effort in sustaining.

@AnnieBuddy

That's really cool that the producers approached you, expressed interest, and actually requested your permission.

(That's typically the way the transaction should go!) 😅

You definitely did try on your dad's behalf, and congratulations in that regard! Production teams can be shady as well, but it sounds like the one you were working with tried to do the right thing for the most part.

@AnnieBuddy

I understand.

Unfortunately, it's the age that we live in and -- from personal experience alone -- there are many people and companies who just don't practice any ethics and believe they can get away with using or stealing #photography without permission.

Not just contests! I even had to confront the U.S. Census Bureau for using my #photograph without my consent. I caught them, and they apologized, calling it an "oversight".

Here's the actual story:
https://blog.tia-international-photography.com/2020/07/16/the-feds-almost-stole-my-photo/