TVX – I won the case.

posted in Main

September 19, 2010

So, most of you that follow my social media sites or know me from twitter will already know about this. However, I just wanted to share the wonderful news with many out there that I FINALLY (after over three years of waiting) won the case with TVX.

To those of you that remember. TVX were a company that took an image of me and placed it on a pornographic DVD. The picture was nothing to do with the theme or porn whatsoever, and the fact I was fourteen in the image annoyed me even more so. I found the image at the age of seventeen when someone informed me on DeviantART it had been stolen. I had NO idea that my work was being used in this way. Obviously, as photographers using the internet, we often get people stealing our work – but not to something of this extent. I was tired of people walking over me in this situation, so I decided to take legal action. It wasn’t long until I got abusive and mean messages back from the owner of the company TVX (who distribute the covers) and I realized this wasn’t something I could walk away from – this wasn’t going to be an easy situation to solve.
Eventually, the case was taken on by a wonderful lawyer in Florida – Mr Richard Harrison of Allen Dell PA. He has stood by me ever since first finding the image and put a lot of hard work and his spare time towards helping me with this case. I was enlightened to hear a few months back that the case was finally going to court and we’d get an answer. So, in July (whilst on my NYC trip for two months) I went to Tampa, Florida to try and put an end to this story. Considering how far I’d moved on with my career and how long it had taken the court case to go through, I can honestly say I was so glad to stand up for myself in court and prove to everyone I wasn’t just ‘a girl that had her picture stolen for a pornographic DVD’ but I’d established a successful career in photography and I hoped that fighting this case would give inspiration to many other young (and older!) photographer’s out there that copyright IS an issue. You can’t just go and steal an image that doesn’t belong to you and use it for commercial gain – if you’re going to steal images online then people WILL find out and they CAN sue you!

So here I am at the (almost) end of the road, I have won the case against TVX and I hope to be a voice to many photographers out there and to tell you to stand up for yourselves over copyright issues. Remember to be wise about where you upload your images, the size you upload them and be smart about the steps you can take towards finding legal help when you’ve found your image being used inappropriately.

If you’re interested in seeing the press release then please go to the plagiarism today site, here: http://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2010/09/17/breaking-news-lara-jade-coton-awarded-130000-in-damages/

LJ. xox

sinisterpictures: well done Coton!! (November 18, 2010 6:45 am)

Mick Buston: It was bad enough that they used the image in the first place but to make you fight three years through the courts is absolutely outrageous. Admire your determination and focussed approach to scoring another small victory over copyright (October 29, 2010 11:27 am)

Carol Dillon: I read this post awhile ago and thought it very interesting that today (16 Oct) this was news over in Australia. Just thought I would let you know (October 16, 2010 6:39 pm)

SLP: I just read about your case on the Danish TV2's web site http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article/34301505/ and want to congratiulate you, and also thank you, we need people like you. and your work is absolutely excellent, respect. (October 16, 2010 10:31 am)

British Photographer v. Texan Pornographer « IP Chimp: [...] I will leave the details of the story to Plagiarism Today and Eric Goldman (follow links). The photographer in question (Lara Jade Coton – who is now a bit older) writes about winning the case here. [...] (October 10, 2010 12:51 am)

Andy J: Congratulations LJ. A small but very important victory for those of us who care about intellectual property rights. I just hope you get the money! Andy J (October 5, 2010 11:16 am)

Martin: good for you, well done and for well done again for being persistent! (October 4, 2010 6:36 am)

Connar: Congrats on winning the case. You deserved that win. It puts people in their place and hopefully it will deter others from doing the same! (September 30, 2010 3:21 am)

John: Excellent well done!! (September 28, 2010 12:19 pm)

Greenmantle: So glad to hear this situation ended on a happy note after such a long ugly fight for your rights. A huge congratulations Lara, I hope that the damages awarded you are paid promptly and go to great use affording you more capital to play with in setting up bigger and better future shoots. If you choose to travel - don't forget to visit old friends in Australia ok. I miss our chats! ciao Mark (September 27, 2010 4:34 am)

neil Burgess: Many congratulations. A good win, but my long experience would suggest that you don't celebrate until the cheque clears the bank! It's a long and hard road, but worth the journey. Well done. NB (September 27, 2010 3:17 am)

Paul Jacques: awesome news! Well done- you the man (woman) ^__- (September 26, 2010 1:18 pm)

Mathieu Wauters: Awesome news and an important precedent for the photography industry. Congratulations Lara! (September 22, 2010 10:00 am)

JB: Fantastic! I'm so happy about this decision. (September 22, 2010 4:51 am)

rws: so pleased to hear that you prevailed in this, and so proud of you for seeing the matter through to the end. you are an inspiration. well done! (September 22, 2010 3:35 am)

>Re: PHOTO » Blog Archive » USA Upholds Copyright: [...] also reports the successful result on her blog, with a link to the coverage of it on Plagiarism Today web [...] (September 21, 2010 2:28 pm)

Kat Harrison: Congratulations Lara! I'm glad it's all finally over (: And I'm glad I got to meet you when you were in Tampa. I know my dad is really happy that you guys won too! (September 21, 2010 9:30 am)

JR: Congratulations and well done for persevering in what must have been a very distressing situation. I have a pretty low opinion of lawyers, but at least justice has truly been done in your case. I hope other image thieves will take note! (September 21, 2010 4:41 am)

Tricia: Congrats Lara. 'Bout time! (September 20, 2010 8:06 am)

kaoutar: Lara!! I'm so happy for you!! you're so amazing to go follow this case !! because !that wasn't only for you!! it was for the sake of all photographers!! now alot of losers will know that we have the law in our side !! and they will take a deep thinking the next time they'll try to abuse our rights! you've won alot of money ! it came in the right time for you going to live in USA!! so I'm happy for you !! take care Lara! (September 20, 2010 3:38 am)

Ashley: Go girl! (September 20, 2010 3:10 am)

Leonie: I just read your story and i was quite shocked... Congratulations, you definitely deserved winning the case. =) (September 20, 2010 1:58 am)

Zhang Jingna: Omg Lara I'm So happy for you. Congratulations!! (September 19, 2010 6:22 pm)

Mel: Congrats!! :) Well done!! So happy for you x (September 19, 2010 3:25 pm)

Sabine Fischer: I can still remember the blogpost you wrote about this back a few years on dA. It has taken too long. Nevertheless: Congratulations - I am happy for you :) (September 19, 2010 2:37 pm)

Emmy: Congrats! FINALLY! You should tell deviantart about this. That is a lot of cash! You've got more money now than almost everybody your age aside from celeb children and princesses. (September 19, 2010 2:15 pm)

David: Congrats Lara, glad to see it all ended in your favour (not that it ever wasn't going to!) (September 19, 2010 2:03 pm)

stephane: I did not know the story, I am so glad that you won. Shame that it took so long. Congrats! (September 19, 2010 1:05 pm)

shelly: Congratulations! :) (September 19, 2010 12:40 pm)

Kassim: Congratulations! (September 19, 2010 12:34 pm)

Priscilla: It's great to hear good news like these ones. Congratulations Lara! :) you prooved that not always the "big ones" or the "powerful ones" win. (September 19, 2010 12:00 pm)

toma: i also hate stealers and very sensitive for copyrights.. thanks for sharing! (September 19, 2010 11:54 am)

Charlotte: Congratulations Lara! So good to hear that not everyone can get away with stealing someones photos, especially with something as disgusting as using a photo of a 14 year old on a pornographic dvd. Well done on sticking with it and seeing the case through :) (September 19, 2010 11:52 am)

Michael Carty: perseverance paid off definately in this one, good for you Lara (September 19, 2010 11:50 am)

Andrew: Definitely deserve the win :D Congrats! (September 19, 2010 11:45 am)

Viorella: Congratulations Lara! (September 19, 2010 11:42 am)

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A few words of advice..

posted in Main

September 10, 2010

I get many e-mails per week asking for advice on photography and the industry – as much as I would love to reply to everything my lifestyle has been incredibly busy the past few months and answering every question would take me at a good few hours per week. Which is why I wanted to write this post, hopefully this’ll help – answer your questions or inspire you.

1. Photography is an art form – use it as a vice for your creativity, let your ideas flow and capture them within your camera. Don’t follow other people, think about how many new ideas and ways of capturing ideas there is in the world – let everything around you inspire you, take in the energy around you. If you’re angry – capture anger, If you’re sad, capture emotion and if you’re happy – use this to your advantage, capture beauty, life, even dreams.

2. If you’re starting out – remember the golden rule is to practice, practice will always make perfect. Practice capturing your friends, your thoughts, write/sketch your ideas, don’t be scared to try new things, you’re allowed to make trial and error – even top photographers do personal work to test for trial and error. Starting photography will always be a hard journey to start but once you get going, the path seems a lot easier from then on. The most important thing is not to stop, because people that stay in one place will stagnate, a little like water. If you keep going, you will eventually reach the sea.

3. Have realistic goals. Don’t try to be the next Steven Meisel or Annie Leiboviz right away, it’s not going to happen. It has taken years for the top photographers to get where they are and a lot of hard work and effort. Believe me, sticking to realistic ideas is the best way to progress. Lately I’ve had a lot of e-mails asking me about how to go about getting representation after shooting for a few months – this is a difficult one to answer. The simple answer is wait. The reason – because you don’t want to throw yourself into something you’re not ready for yet – you need to build yourself a style, get known for that and most importantly start earning money for it.

4. Keep challenging yourself – want to try a new concept but to scared to do it? Question why it would be good for you – will it improve you, or will it just keep you in the same place. Try new shoots.

5. You don’t need the best equipment to get the best photographs. I have had SO many e-mails asking what equipment I use and to recommend equipment because there’s is ‘not good enough’. For years I shot on a Canon 5d and before that a point and shoot. The reason I shoot on the Canon 5dmkII right now is because of the quality I need for the clients I work for.

6. Don’t be put off by criticism. Encourage to be criticized but only if it’s constructive, you need to know what you’re doing right and wrong. The best way to do this is have opinions from people that know what their are talking about. Most likely if you send your work to top photographer’s e-mails, they will not reply. Why? Not because they don’t like you but because their schedule is so full they can’t answer questions like that – they simply don’t have the time. When I started, I used websites such as DeviantART and Flickr – I built myself around the communities and relied on like minded people to guide me, it helped a lot.

7. If you have an idea, do it. No excuses!

8. Be inspired – as a photographer you NEED to be inspired. I am inspired by everything around me. Read, write, watch movies, look at the older masters in paintings – visit a museum, go to a fashion show, share ideas with friends. This will generate exciting concepts!

9. People have this idea in their head that photographers like me are rich – you’re not thinking correctly here. I just know where to invest my money into portfolio work and equipment and I still live at home as I’m in-between moving, this means I can travel and do the things I enjoy right now. Be wise, invest money in your work – it’s important.

10. Nothing ever come without hard work – if you put in the effort, you’ll start seeing results.

LJ xox

elm: I was so surprised when you wrote that people think you're rich. Photography is so hard to make a living out of it, and i'd be most curious to know if all of the assignments you did were paid...I heard some big magazines didn't pay their photographers, such a shame ! x (July 23, 2011 7:00 am)

A few words of advice… | Francis Mitra | Blog: [...] You can check out Lara Jade’s work here. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL BLOG POST [...] (April 4, 2011 2:18 pm)

cedric: This is useful! Thanks for sharing..you're inspiring! Love your art :) (February 14, 2011 5:40 am)

Rich: Thanks you!!! :-) (December 24, 2010 8:29 am)

Sachin Khona: Lara.. ThanKS for writing this post, so openly and honestly... I agree 100% with everything you said here.. you nailed so much and I think this post could be one I return to often over the weeks, months, heck.. even years.. Thank you for sharing it.. I hope our paths cross one day all the best sachin khona x (December 21, 2010 4:18 pm)

Genevria: This is great advice for me because I am planning on becoming a photographer similar to yourself. I have been inspired by your work for years and just in the past couple years have decided to become a photographer. I can't wait to see new pictures! (December 1, 2010 7:15 am)

Francis Mitra | Blog» Blog Archive » A few words of advice…: [...] You can check out Lara Jade’s work here. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL BLOG POST [...] (September 26, 2010 8:28 am)

Stephane Offort: Thank you so much for the words. I am 43 y.o. and I have passion for photo since 11. but life wasn't smooth so i did not follow up, only 2 years ago I could not resist the call. I dream I could at least sell something in few years, but it is still a pleasure and a passion! Thank for your generosity! (September 19, 2010 6:31 pm)

Gabriele: Thank you Lara for those words =) they're so inspiring to read and give you the right push to still go on en try! (September 17, 2010 3:30 am)

Brittany: I have been following your blog for a while now and you always have some very wise and insightful words. Thanks so much for being so inspiring! (September 13, 2010 11:49 am)

CCHapman: Thank-you LJ that's exactly what I needed to hear. You and your work are inspiring to so many of us trying to start out in this crazy industry! Thanks for being one of those who cares about their followers. :) (September 12, 2010 12:36 pm)

Ron: i will keep all those advices in mind.... thanks! (September 12, 2010 5:58 am)

Mathieu Wauters: A very thoughtful post. Thank you Lara. (September 11, 2010 11:10 am)

Kevin Duncan: This is awesome Ms. Lara, You are truly blessed with your teachings and skills as a Master photographer. The advice listed will truly help and inspire me throughout my career; I'm sure of it. I'm already feeling inspired to do more and see more so that I can capture more images and share with the world. Thank You, KD (September 11, 2010 10:19 am)

Stan Malinowski: With respect point #3: My experience is that even with representation, most of my jobs came from clients having seen my editorial work; perhaps only 10% of my work came through my reps. (Keep in mind, that most represent more than one photographer. Because of the Internet, your work has a better chance than ever to be seen. (September 11, 2010 7:20 am)

li-li: great lara thanykyou so much i needed that (September 11, 2010 2:48 am)

Azadeh: thanks alot ,,, i read word by word carefuly and your advice were really useful and valuable for me . again thank you thank you (September 10, 2010 11:31 pm)

Alicia: Aaah, wise words.. (September 10, 2010 11:28 pm)

Adam Sasim: I strongly belive that most photographers have from time to time "inspire ISSUE". That read helped a lot. Thanks (September 10, 2010 11:24 pm)

Neal: After a 1 Year Break in my "career" I'm now at the point of having to reestablish myself in the industry and this simple advice really gave me the Edge to stop waiting for opportunities to come to me but instead to start pursuing my dreams actively again. I haven't always been a fan, but I always admired your working ethics and they're probably the main reason you made it so far - apart from your talent of course ;-) (September 10, 2010 8:09 pm)

Vee: Thank you for the sound advice! (September 10, 2010 5:35 pm)

Dario Castillo: Never forget that you are a huge inspiration to a big community online, since the beginning for me. I have recently moved from small cities to the big NYC - you give me hope to continue on. Thank you LJ. x (September 10, 2010 5:31 pm)

Patti: Thank you. This is great advise to hear from someone who has done! ;) (September 10, 2010 5:30 pm)

Shavit Tzuriel: I like the way you take things seriously. nothing came up easy without hard work. (September 10, 2010 5:30 pm)

Kassidy: thank you for sharing your advice, it has truly helped me understand the concept of photography. you're an inspiration to me and i look forward to the future works you do. i am also stating out in photography andthis year is my first, but i do definitely hope that i get to your stage one day. it will take time and effort but it will worth waiting. your truly inspiring!! x (September 10, 2010 5:17 pm)

Rebecca Northcott: Thanks for this Lara what wonderful advice - you truly are an inspiration to us all. Your ABSOLUTELY right! Thanks again your amazing (September 10, 2010 5:13 pm)

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Masquerade Magazine Editorial Story ‘Magdalene’

posted in Main

September 3, 2010

See below my new fashion editorial story ‘Magdalene’ for Masquerade Magazine. Inspired by Silent Hill & Paolo Roversi.

Featuring the wonderful Amy Groves from Elite NY, Jen Myles on make up & Lauren Armes’ whimsical styling.

See the new issue of Masquerade Magazine (Issue 5) at www.masquerademag.com

Keep on being inspired… LJ xox

valentino cc: Thank you for your beautiful photos! Can I ask you which lens do you use mostly (November 19, 2010 5:41 pm)

Keith Davies: This is a terrific set. I've been a long time admirer and it's great to see your career taking off so spectacularly. Keep it going... (October 7, 2010 11:49 am)

Pokerspiel: I always inspired by you, your opinion and way of thinking, again, thanks for this nice post. - Murk (September 29, 2010 2:15 am)

Tiffany S.: Small world! This is Amy G. from Liz Bell Agency here in Vancouver! (September 3, 2010 9:35 pm)

William: amazing portraits, your post work really highlights everything so well. cool & creative :)) (September 3, 2010 2:48 pm)

Alexandra: Amazing!!! (September 3, 2010 2:16 pm)

Taylor Jackson: I love the shot with the rings, the pose is beautiful and her eyes are so intense! beautiful shots! (September 3, 2010 2:15 pm)

Heather: Stunning as always. (September 3, 2010 2:09 pm)

Taylor: YOU ARE SUCH A CONTINUOUS INSPIRATION, CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING A PHENOMENAL PHOTOGRAPHER (September 3, 2010 2:08 pm)

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Back To England

posted in Main, Personal

September 1, 2010

…and so after just over six hours on a flight from Newark to London Heathrow I arrive in my home country. Surprisingly, the warm air and sunlight beams through the arrival gate greets me and soon I forget about the 30kg suitcase hanging off my fingers and the three pieces of hand luggage clinging to the other – my Victoria’s Secret bag pulled in close (I adore that place!) and my Miu Miu bag half falling open.
I’ll always love England for quite a few things but it’s no longer my scene for what I do as a job, I have fallen in love with America – everything is so inspiring and new and I have felt the last few weeks have been a dream working in NYC. I have been the most productive in one place I have ever been in my life and I put it down to positivity from being where I feel most comfortable. Not only productive but I can safely say I have made some life friends and some wonderful creative contacts who I’m going to miss (for now, anyway!)
I will always love England for it’s picturesque beauty, the memories, the characters, the rather unnecessary change in weather all year round and it’s ability to make me happy and unhappy at the same time. I will always remember my hometown (Tamworth, in the West Midlands) as my childhood – even as a child I wanted to escape and discover, one could say curiosity always got the better of me. I always wanted to run before I could walk – and I knew from very early on I would outgrow the place. It has been the birthplace of me and my career – which will I will always be thankful for, the beauty of the surroundings inspired my early archive – the girls (friends) I would photograph on hazy summer days swinging their hair wildly in the cornfields, the castles we would roam around only paying the entrance fee to photograph all day, the few friends I’d make swim in the leech filled lake (or should I say pond!) across the road from the estate I live on, the 6am phone calls to my friends to arrange a last minute shoot in the snow in fear it would soon melt.. and then there were the crime scenes – the patient models hanging from trees and smothered in fake blood and dirt, arms wrapped in rope and slumped up against walls.
All of this I am extremely thankful for – for the people who have helped me on my journey so far and to England for it’s early inspiration.
Not even an £80 taxi journey from Heathrow to Euston station to catch my train can make me angry today or the fact the driver ignored my conversation, or the girl that constantly made me move out of my seat to walk around the plane and go to the toilet, or leaving my American boyfriend late last night at the airport, or even the beautiful note he left in my moleskin diary to surprise me, (knowing me to well I’d open and sketch and plan in it the minute I got on the plane) or even the teary eyed phone calls to my loved ones before my departure.

Today is the start of preparation – the beginning steps to a brand new life living in New York City.. I have four months here and from then on I don’t know what I’m letting myself in for, god for sure knows it’ll be a challenge, but it’s one I want to be challenged to.

karl Bratby: I so wish i could live the dream as well, if you need anything let me know..... (September 5, 2010 9:03 pm)

Steve Morton: Good luck Lara, I've admired you and your photos for over 5 years now. I have also left UK, I now live in France like you I will miss UK but I'm sure you will enjoy your new life in the States. Take care and have fun Steve (September 3, 2010 6:27 am)

Michael: Enjoy NYC, I'm sure it'll be a great place to establish a career (America does seem to hold photography in higher regard than over here). However, you write above 'the rather unnecessary change in weather all year round' in regards to the weather over here - get ready for NYC winters, 'cause they can be brutal. :) (September 3, 2010 2:48 am)

tori lynn: Reading about your boyfriend leaving you a note in your diary reminds me of my relationship with my boyfriend. He lives in holland, I live in America. So I can definitely relate to that as we do the same thing. leave little messages behind to find and cherish. ^__^ Glad you enjoy the US so much! (September 2, 2010 8:48 pm)

Alicia: Well I wish u the best of luck in nyc. I've been reading about that city a lot from your side lately so it's no surprise you're moving to it. I've got my own dreams as well and I'm working everyday on it to make them come true some day. I've been following u for quite some time and you've grown so much in a couple of years, it's amazing & beautiful to see. Inspiring, & I know a lot of ppl feel that way so I guess you're kind of a role model (: That must be flattering ahhh. Goodluck on ur path.. (September 2, 2010 3:11 pm)

Martyna: because you seem to be normal, clear-minded person. So, it's just a question of time to every person (I mean, People not interested in photography or from deviantart) will know where photographies they know came from. Take care, dear, Martyna Dziekan (September 2, 2010 1:22 pm)

Martyna: I am really happy to read it all. Firstly, I want to say, you are this kind of photographer that everyone knows, even he or she does not exactly realize. It's great to see how you improved and developed as photographer and how good to read you are having such a successes. From taking selfportraits then shots with models, cooperating with designers to starting new, real career. reading your journal, I'm sure you will be satisfied with your work, totally,.. (September 2, 2010 1:20 pm)

shelly: I kinda wondered if you were considering moving to NYC after your first trip. It seemed to have a very profound effect on you. (September 1, 2010 3:31 pm)

Dario Castillo: I have also been a big fan of your artwork in the early ages. I am so glad that you're not forgetting where you're coming from. Once I saw that the visits to New York City were more than a couple, I knew you were hooked! Hahah, I wish you the best of luck. Cheers. (September 1, 2010 8:53 am)

Bonnie Rose: I am so happy for you and your journey and that you have found a place that challenges and motivates you. Best of luck in your planning and all the opportunities that lie a head of you. I've made my way from Hawaii to the mainland, and now planning my own relocation back to England in 2011. Looks like we may just miss eachother, but i hope to be able to meet up sometime. You are such an inspiring individual and how wonderful you found your passion at such a young age. Keep going strong! xx (September 1, 2010 8:47 am)

Samantha: Aw Lara, I have been following your work from the early stages and it is so inspiring to see how you've grown and what you have accomplished in really such a short couple of years. You have been such an inspiration to me as well, and I believe I picked up photography because your work really opened my eyes to another way of creative expression. You are so so gifted, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and your work! (September 1, 2010 6:50 am)

Shannon Grant: America loves you right back! It would be an honor to have you stay here and lend your creative talent to our crazy country :) (September 1, 2010 6:09 am)

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