Semi Intro - Welcome
My last post got me thinking about the images I’ve shared on social media. I’ve noticed a lot of cases where my photos have been reused by players, parents, and even schools. Sometimes the images still have the logo intact, but in some instances, people have tried to edit it out.
To clarify, I don’t have an issue when people ask for permission to use my photos. In fact, I’ve made deals for senior posters and other personal projects, which I’m happy to do. All I ask is simple: if you’re going to use the “free” content, give Lee Begaye Photography a shoutout. While I can’t control how images in the public domain are used, I believe acknowledging the artist is a respectful gesture.
For those who want high-quality, full-resolution images, these are available for purchase. Football season was a blessing with the number of purchases I received, and I think it’s because I captured some truly personal, emotional moments in the games. The equipment I use plays a huge role in capturing those moments, but it’s also about being in the right place at the right time. For basketball, I aim to bring that same immersive feel to my art.
Remember, anyone can stand on the sideline with a camera, but not everyone can create an image that makes you feel like you’re part of the game. That’s the difference I strive for in my work.
A Quick Side Note:
I still have stacks of SLAM and Sports Illustrated magazines from the ‘90s. That era and those players continue to inspire me, and yes, they occasionally make me want to dust off my Jordan 11s! (Let’s not even go there.) Those magazines are a big part of my creative inspiration for sports photography.
Now, on to the main point: I’ve decided to make a few changes to the way I share images online:
Changes
Edge Clips and Logos: All images will now include an edge clip with my logo. This helps ensure proper credit is given where it’s due.
Lower-Resolution Images: Images shared online will be scaled down to 10% resolution. They’ll still look good at a glance but won’t include fine details and will have noticeable pixelation.
These low-resolution images are free to use, provided you leave the edge clip and logo intact. I think this is a fair compromise.
If you’d like a high-quality image, I encourage you to consider purchasing it. Not just from me, but from any photographer whose work you admire. Some of us pursue this as a passion; for others, it’s their primary source of income. If you see an image you like, reach out to the photographer and ask about purchasing it. Supporting artists goes a long way.
For my part, I’m lowering my in-season price to $15 per image. Whether you prefer a JPG or a TIFF file, I’ll deliver a high-quality photo that captures a special moment—like the ones I treasure from my Many Farms High School football days (jersey and all!). And as always, I’m open to making deals—just ask.
A Website Update:
I’m excited to share that I’ve put together a website: www.leebegayephotos.com. While it’s still a work in progress (especially with the sports photos section), the site will eventually become my primary platform for sharing and distributing content. Moving forward, I plan to post less on social media and focus more on the website.
For those with ultra-wide monitors (32 or 34 inches), check out the site’s background photos. They’re best viewed on a big screen, and I think they really showcase the quality of high-resolution images.
To summarize:
Free images will be lower-resolution and include a logo. Use them as long as you credit Lee Begaye Photography.
High-resolution images are available for $15 and can be delivered as JPG or TIFF files.
Check out my website: www.leebegayephotos.com.
Thank you all for your support, and let’s keep capturing those unforgettable moments together!