This report from Indian photographer Udit Kulshrestha on the National Geographic Channel’s “Moments” photo contest in India, sponsored by Sprint LG.
“The pictures, clippings and films uploaded/posted on the Website shall be so done under an irrevocable, royalty free license and an applicant hereby accordingly grants NGC the right to use the picture/clipping in any medium anywhere in the world in perpetuity.”
“National Geographic Channel will have the right to use the pictures without the credits of the author/producer/owner of the image or the movie clipping.”
“In the interest of unsuspecting photographers, I am of the opinion that this unethical to hoodwink an amateur or an enthusiast who is not aware of terms like ‘royalty free’, ‘any medium’ or ‘perpetuity’ or its implications for an incentive like a free gift.”
Also, I find it an unfair that an agency of the repute of National Geographic is involved in. I suggest we as a photographic community should not endorse the same by non participation as well as by spreading the word of caution. I am spreading the word about this to all relevant communities, media and sponsors alike to ensure practises such as these do not spread further at least in India and if we as a photography community donot set standards or educate fellow photographers’, corporates like nat geo will benefit at the expense of the photographer.”