A slideshow allegedly from an autistic photographer named Patrick Notley is making the forward rounds on email. Although “Patrick Notley” has an amazing skill set, he’s a fake.
The sick person that compiled the powerpoint (below) didn’t even bother to remove other photographers’ trademark from their hard-work, well-earned original photos inserted into the slideshow.
While I appreciate the thought to bring awareness to autism, the use of someone’s photos without credit is a crime that should not be tolerated. It’s a thousand times worse when a photo is wrongly credited.
I wish I could do something more than write this blog post.
Post publish: Sorry guys and dolls, the original vimeo film with the lovely Enya music was taken down so I had to find a substitute. Thanks for pointing it out Dave!
Hi everyone, thanks for the interest in this post. Unfortunately, I’ve been receiving spam comments and nasty things from some people who can’t spell. Since this isn’t tolerated on my blog, I will be closing all comments unless it’s discussing photography and copyright issues.
Thank you, Tash
[...] Well, he is autistic but he did not take the photographs. He compiled them and they are works by other photographers. This has caused quite a stir. http://littleflutters.com/creative/patrick-notley-is-a-fake. [...]
I received this thing as well…..
I’m not a photographer but was MORE than suspicious as to how this person has the means to travel to all these sites and actually take the photos. There seems to be no thread stylistically, either….
Autism is a remarkable and fascinating phenomenon, and I have NO doubt we will soon see more talent emerging in the near future but something here smells rotten.
Perhaps (in all fairness?)this fellow just put together a bunch of stuff he wished to share without realizing the legal and personal implications of this act.
I just received this e-mail, circulated through work.
I was immediately suspicious (as I often am of forwarded e-mails), especially when seeing dual watermarks on several of the photos.
What I don’t understand is why all of them are watermarked “Laoen”, though the slideshow was created by the so-called “Patrick Notley”? Who is this “Laoen”?
I’ll certainly grant that the photos are beautiful, but it’s unfortunate to see others’ work being wrongly credited or taken for granted.
The internet is both a bane and a boon…
Tash,
I agree with Randall & Caitlin. Mr. Notley did not claim anywhere in his compilation that he took these photos or that he is a producer. He simply introduced himself as a photographer (which could be true) and that he compiled these beautiful snapshots for the world to see.
The hallmark of autism is the compromised ability of those who suffer from it to comprehend spoken language and to express themselves with words; even though the linguistic limitations can vary across the wide spectrum of the disease. As such, it is somewhat unfair to expect him to articulate introductory statements in anticipation of assumptions. On the other hand, a small percentage of those suffering from autism are blessed with amazing talent and skill in the arts and music.
I believe Patrick used the photos to express himself through the language he understands best and that is the splendid art displayed in every slide he selected.
Regards.
HI Chris, I like that you invoice people and know a number of photographers that do the same. I do know that the photographers weren’t aware of their photos being used. To quote: “HI – i found one of my pics in this completely stolen slideshow – thx to laoen – he wrote his logo on my pic – most of the pics are from the German fotocommuity.de / galerie (best of) – this is larges commuity in europe! – Stephan”
I agree about not guilty until proven and thanks for your comment!
Maybe, just maybe, Patrick had permission from the copyright holders to use the photographs and only he or the copyright owners can answer the questions posed.
I am a photographer, and when I see my works used without permission I simply issue an invoice or charges of theft can be laid… for those who get snotty.
I’m with Randall – he doesn’t say “I took these photos” just he put the slide show together and he has left the names on the majority photos such as Laoen and Thomas Mörchen so fair play to Patrick I say!
The internet is a modern miracle, one might say, a blessing. As with so many blessings however, they lay themselves open to being abused and often turn into something less than a blessing , indeed a curse.
The collection is beautiful. Let’s be grateful we can share it. Notley asks for little in return for bringing what many of us have seen before, to enjoy once again. If he truly is autistic he should have our sympathy, if not, he made us happy we’re not autistic.
Hi Randall, thanks for the comment.
- What makes the assumption that these are his photos is the first slide “German photographer, Patrick Notley”, not “Patrick Notley compiled a powerpoint of other photographers’ work”.
- In most slides, he didn’t credit the photographer. I only counted four out of the 50 or so images which had tiny credits.
- A producer is “one who supervises and controls the finances, creation, and public presentation of a play, film, program, or similar work”, I would hardly say Notley is producing this powerpoint, that implies that he paid the photographers for their work.
Once again, thanks for your point of view.
You misread the closing statement. Mr. Notley says he “produced” the slide show; he did not claim to be the photographer. As you noted, in most slides, he credited the photographer.
Gah! And he had to implicate Enya!