Walmart - Photo Center

I would like to mention that I have been a professional photographer for a few years, so I know how all of the copyright stuff works. I will never get any cheap prints done from Walmart again, not even 4x6 one hour prints!



First of all, a professional photographer who is legit is not going to release any type of full resolution pictures or photo files to a customer unless he or she has paid for them or was given them by the photographer as a gift.



Second of all, anyone does get full resolution professional photo files in their hands even illegally can order online from almost any photo printing site including Walmart.com and not have to send in a copy of a copyright release from the photographer. If Walmart expects this policy to be put into place, they need to put a disclaimer online when ordering, posted on all photo machines and at the photo cash register as well follow through for online only orders!



Thirdly, it is the customer's responsibility whether he or she is going to have good conduct and not steal photo files by having them printed without having paid or been given the copyrights to the pictures by the photographer.



So, here is the main issue. I am a professional photographer. I am also a new mom. I had one photo that I wanted to get printed as ONE 4x6 single print (ONLY costing 9 cents!!!!) that I DID PAY over $100 to have the rights to. I ordered about 20-30 prints of some other photos that I had personally taken and set them as an in-store pickup. Well, when I went to pick them up, the lady at the register asked (as if caring about my little one) if I had gotten any pictures of my little one professionally done. Instead this lady (carrie) asked me which pictures were professionally done; if I had the copyright release. She actually stood there and sorted my photos to her discretion what would need a release!!!! I have never been treated so badly by a store in my life! I don't complain. I am one of those people who go out to eat and doesn't say anything even if my food is cooked a little different than what I asked for.



I was so angry, I said Forget it! and walked off! I couldn't bring myself to stay, because I felt so angry inside. I was only printing ONE 9cent picture that had anything to do with being taken by someone else.



The next day, I went back. The same lady asked me again for the copyright release. And instead of asking me if I would like to talk to a manager or have another opportunity to bring back the copyright release, she hands the picture to her coworker right in front of me and asked her to SHRED IT! And she told me that she would adjust the price!!!!!! I talked to the manager after that.



She told me it is their policy to have proof of a copyright release when professional pictures are printed. I understand. But do you not understand that you are fighting a losing battle! I can go back on Walmart.com and have the same order printed and sent to my house without having to prove anything! I told her that I will NEVER use Walmart's photo center AGAIN!



I am also letting you all know that Walmart's in-store photo center is crap! Don't go there! They don't care about you as an individual, even if you are telling the truth and only printing one 4x6 9 cent photo! Seriously!