Comments on: Patrick Notley is a fake

By: Patrick Notley: Unlikely Teacher « Cecilia Wandiga's Blog

Patrick Notley: Unlikely Teacher « Cecilia Wandiga's Blog — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:06:04 +0000

[...] 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. [...]

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:36:34 +0000

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.

By: ABCDawg (Colin R.)

ABCDawg (Colin R.) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:08:33 +0000

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…

By: Pascal

Pascal — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:24:38 +0000

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.

By: Tash

Tash — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:52:49 +0000

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!

By: Christopher McNamara

Christopher McNamara — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:06:36 +0000

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.

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:08:56 +0000

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!

By: GRAHAM R-B

GRAHAM R-B — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:04:19 +0000

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.