Question about reference photos

[Mark Dellinger]

I have started collecting reference photos in a note book. I have a large 3 ring binder that I have several divider tabs in. I have titled many of the dividers with various titles, example (cowboys, reference photos, patterns, misc. caricatures, eyes, nose, mouths, misc.clothing) I have printed a lot of pictures off of the internet as refernce these sections. My question is it ok to print out pictures of other peoples carvings for reference on eyes, mouths, clothes, etc if they have been posted on the forum, does it require permission. I don't want to copy their carvings, but if I saw a carving that had eyes or a some other detail that caught my attention I would want to print it out and put it in my reference note book. Just was curious on everyone's thoughts.

Safe carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I see nothing wrong in that. What else would you put in reference books other than things you've seen that might be of interest. The only real question might be how you use what you've collected but you have pretty well explained that.

[Curtscarving]

Mark
I dont think anyone would complain if you see any thing of mine jump on it.

[northwood bob]

I've attended several talks on copyright issues. None of them indicated that it was not ethically correct to copy anything (photos) for personal use. This would mean that you can ethically copy photos for the reasons stated.

To get back on a personal track and off the professional track, I would suggest you continue to use them as you have indicated. I used dto keep photos and drawings just as you but have purged most of my collection and only sparingly keep these references. I've found that I can do a 5 minute search of the web and find all sorts of references on line. I think if one was to carve very similar work consistently, copied references would be extremely valuable. It just seems that I am carving a vast variety of pieces. One day it might be a gnome or a santa, the next it might be a relief of a trout stream. I recently did a carving of the "Fallen Soldier" and a short search of the web dealt me more research photos than I could use.

We all continue on different paths. Continue with your notebooks if that is what helps you. Don't have thoughts that that may be unethical. Use the tools available to you to be the best at what you do.

Have a great day - I hope this helped

Bob

[northwood bob]

I guess I should have proof read that a bit better.

The first sentence should have read:
"None of them indicated that it was un-ethical to copy anything for personal use."

I hope that helps any misunderstanding


Bob

[Mark Dellinger]

Thanks guys for responding. I use the computer a lot and even set it up on the ole work bench when following tutorial videos and such, but I hate getting it dusty. I use the note book for "Still References" I am at the poinrt to where I really understand the need to try to come up with my own ideas and patterns so some of these pictures may be transformed into patterns. I have two now in my pattern sections that are just pages out of a coloring book. I didn't copy them for their detail but for the general shape or appearance. Some times the pictures are simply there to try to get the creative juices flowing.

[Robson Valley]

I was a biology (botany = wood science) prof for 31 years. Our library said that to make a single copy of a published work for "personal reference & study" is legitimate. To make a class set is verboten without paying for the rights to do so.

[Claude]

Originally Posted by Mark Dellinger

...
I use the computer a lot and even set it up on the ole work bench when following tutorial videos and such, but I hate getting it dusty.
...

Mark: If you're talking laptop, go get one of those plastic bags out of the closet that the drycleaning comes home in. Cut out a slightly oversized piece and lay it on the keyboard. Dust on the screen can be easily wiped off; dust in the keyboard can't, so this will protect your keyboard. If you're using any power tools in the room, best to remove the laptop, as they have fans that can suck dust in.

Claude

[Mark Dellinger]

Claude,

That is a good ideal about the plastic bag. I don't often use power tools at my work bench, and if I do use my foredom I always take the computer back into the house. Thanks for a good idea.

Mark