Earlier this week, I became aware that several of my photographs were being used by a non-profit organization… without my permission.

I contacted them to inform them that promoting their business with my work without first asking me was simply wrong.  I was a little surprised to get the response “But we’re a non-profit, not a business”, as if that justified it all.

I asked them whether the people who put their website together were paid for their services and of course they were.  So, I continued, Why is it okay for you to steal from me?

Ultimately, the wrongdoing was acknowledged and my images were removed from their website.

But this whole experience reminded me of something I’ve been wanting to state publicly for a long time:  I have a great respect for photographers who actually earn a living plying their craft, because their work has increasingly been devalued.

 —Peter.