Walgreens won't print my photos without photographer's release, but I am the photographer and not a pro.

Photography is a hobby, but a very serious one鈥搑ight down to specialized lenses, lighting and backdrops. I take hundreds of pictures at any given event (thousands at some sporting competitions). Recently both of my printers were acting up, and I needed some basic prints quickly. I sent them through Walgreens to pick up in an hour and got the surprise of the decade. They did not print my photos, because I need the photographer鈥檚 permission to have these printed. No problem, I鈥檓 thinking, I am the photographer. I was mistaken. Even though I had my original CF cards with the photos still on them, I was told that it means nothing. I have to have it in writing. I said 鈥淔ine, give me a piece of paper and I will put it in writing.鈥?No luck there either. I had to show them a letterhead or a business card which would prove that I am a professional photographer. I am not, so I don't have any of those. What can I do so that I don't have to jump through hoops to print my pictures?

Ask them for the name and phone # of the district or regional Photo Training Supervisor (I don't recall the exact title but I know they exist).

They should be able to help you out or instruct the store level employees what to do.

Well this can be frustrating I imagine but understand that not only are the stores protecting their own backsides they are protecting professional photographers who work hard for their money. I would suggest you either make up a fake business card or letter head. If the store says they wont print them just show them the business card and thank them for being diligent in protecting your copyright. I am sure you will not have a problem after that.

Check your exif data, it should include your camera's serial number....show this to the MANAGER along with the camera and get something in writing that will allow you to print your own pics there in the future...then thank them for looking after your copyright interests.

I've had this same issue with different photo labs. Mostly with print shops like you describe: Walgreens Walmart Sams Club, etc.
Just find a local professional print shop. You'll pay a little more but less hassle. You never know when those cheaper stores will refuse. I think those lower paid employees like to mess with people.

Go somewhere else. Or take in the original files, or write up your details on a letterhead in writing and take it to the place. Or get another printer.

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Oh goodness. If that were the case, I'd go some place else.

I haven't had a problem with Costco at all. http://www.costcophotocenter.com

I had to sign a form Walgreen's provided for me. Ask them about it.

There's not much you can do other than to take your business elsewhere and find a store with a more lenient and reasonable policy. They are afraid if the pictures aren't yours they may get sued for printing them.

I am a professional photographer and I have absolutely no idea how you would prove ownership of your pictures in a case like this. If it happens again, I would go up the chain of command demanding service. If the photo clerk won't do it, ask for the manager, and if still no luck, find out who his boss is and complain loud and long.

I have been on the other end of the whole circus. I used to take sports pictures for a local newspaper and the family of one of the athletes would often have my pictures put on T-shirts for their family. The T-shirt place wouldn't do them though unless I faxed them a letter stating they had my permission to use the picture.

I quite frankly couldn't have given a s*** what they did with the picture. It was a waste of my time to have to keep doing that.

You might consider going to a store that has the machines where you stick in your memory card and print your own pictures.