Frank Caico's Blog

Some dance studio by the name of Viva Dance Studio decided to use one of my best photos from the Rochester Steven & Virginie '05 workshop to promote their upcoming S & V workshop.   They didn't bother to ask me for permission, they didn't even link back to the web page where they found my picture.  And on top of it, they reproduced the image in print to use on their flyers!  (not to mention the fact that they made it look awful to boot).  You can see what their lousy reproduction of my picture turned out like Here.

This is the first time I've found someone blatantly ripping off my stuff and it bothers me a little bit.  Especially since I probably would have granted them permission if they had just asked.  It also makes me mad that this isn't some not-for-profit dance group - its a commercial dance studio.

I sent them this letter:

To Viva Dance Studio:

Its come to my attention that you are using one of my photographs in your advertising for the Steven & Virginie workshop without any permission from me. The image I am speaking of is this one:

This is essentially stealing and I am not happy that you did it without making the slightest overture of asking my permission. I gave Steven & virgine permission to use my pictures on THEIR website, but I gave no such permission to anyone else. I retain all rights to my images and they have not been marked as "creative commons" or any other rights usable without my explicit permission.

I sell my own images, and I'm sure my customers wouldn't appreciate the fact that artwork they have purchased as limited is being reproduced in unlicensed, uncontrolled prints.

I would ask that you add a credit on your website indicating that the picture was taken by me; Frank Caico and point a link back to the original web page you found it at. If you don't comply with that request, then I would ask that you remove the image from your website and discontinue its use altogether.

Thank you for your compliance in this matter.

Frank Caico

I think I'm being more than generous here.  Lets see if these guys honor my wishes.

JPEG Magazine's next issue is being prepared and they have 3 themes for which they are taking entries.

They are Entropy, Breakthrough, and Beauty Redefined.

I've entered a picture in each of the 3 categories and would really appreciate it if you guys could vote for me!

Here are the 3 pictures I've entered:

http://jpgmag.com/photos/77199
http://jpgmag.com/photos/77186
http://jpgmag.com/photos/77183

If I get in, I'll be published in the magazine, *and* I'll get $100!

Thansk!

Due to an unexpected illness (are they ever really expected?), a friend of mine has an extra ticket to see "The Underpants" at Geva tonight.   He asked if I'd like the ticket, so I'm taking him up on it.  Sounds like it'll be fun!

Christmas at the Compound

Well everyone, here it is. Much later than I promised, but what can I say? I was very busy the last few weeks.

Of the three shots I took, this was the best. Everyone looks pretty natural (yes, that IS what Jerome really looks like) so this is the one you get!

Cheers, and look forward to seeing you all again soon!

This was indeed a great weekend of unseasonably warm weather for Rochester.  I spent a good deal of time in my workshop working on my latest project:  A krenov style Wooden Hand Plane.  Its coming along real well and I suspect I will finish the woodworking this week (if the weather report is correct).  Its a real cool project that has forced me to learn some new techniques.  The book I am using as a guide (Making and Mastering Wood Planes) is pretty amazing.  It goes into great detail on each and every step and really keeps your confidence up as it documents the possible pitfalls involved.

Mike had his annual X-Mas party this weekend. Good fun was had by all!  We even got to experience some actual Myrrh!  For those of you interested;

Myrrh is currently used in some liniments, healing salves that may be applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. It is also used in the production of Fernet Branca.

Look for the holiday group shot pictures to be posted within the next day or two.