Taylor Swift's photography contract which reportedly contained "restrictive" and "unfair" terms, made one major newspaper company decide to leave the photo areas blank in their coverage rather than sign the contract that was "not feasible."
The 'Bad Blood' singer played the first of two sold-out shows in Dublin, but the newspaper did not include her photos in the coverage of the recent concert. But in the article titled 'Why there's no photo of Taylor Swift's gig in today's 'Irish Times'' on June 30, they explained why Swift's onstage photos at the 3Arena are missing.
Irish Times explained that Swift's photograph authorization contract has "a number of onerous restrictions."
Under the terms of the contract they are only permitted to use Swift's photo one time only, which elapses at the end of 2015. They must submit a written consent to Swift or her agent for any additional use of her photos. While the 'Shake it Off' singer has the right, "perpetual, worldwide," to use the images for "publicity or promotion."
"The terms and conditions of the contract are exceedingly restrictive and just not feasible for a working newspaper and website," Irish Times deputy picture editor Brenda Fitzsimons said.
Fitzsimons added, "The photographs may be used on a one-time only basis and by signing her contract we grant Swift perpetual, worldwide right to use the published photographs in any way she sees fit."
The Irish Times wrote, "The use of such contracts has become increasingly common in the live music business in recent years."
But Swift's condition together with her representatives is just an act to protect and control their own "potential revenue."
"Once, allowing photographers to snap live shots was a way of promoting an artist. Now, it's seen as giving an unscrupulous snapper the means to produce an unofficial Taylor Swift calendar or book."
