Dark side of the Force

Contribution for The Sunday Challenge: Negative space (in photography)

Contribution for The 50 Images-Project: Still Life 22/50

Playing with toys again... At Tampere there has repeatedly arranged a photography courses and exhibitions called as "Adult Plays". The theme has been to learn photography by shooting toys or cartoon collectibles in various locations.

What has puzzled me is the possible risk to infringe the copyright. Toys and cartoon characters are after all copyright protected just like any other works of art. However, I discovered it depends on whether the use of items turns out as something original and creative enough to become as a new work of art.

"Parody" is one criteria. The new work may for example mock some everyday life phenomena. One then may wonder what is parody?

Another question is the context. What additional elements are required to make the new creation as new and original enough?

Here I have used so called Sabattier effect, and more precisely a "V-shape" on Snapseed curves tool, to turn items and background "dark". The goal was to play with references to "Dark side of the Force" and to "negative space". But is it parody? And does this rather minimalist composition turn out as original enough?

Sources:

➽ Adult Plays photos. Photography course works arranged at Tampere Region Center of Adult Education. Photogallery available at Facebook.

➽ Brendan Conley: Can I be sued over my photographs of a copyrighted toy or other product? Photo Copyright Law blog.

➽ Artist Rights. Mattel Inc. v. Walking Mountain Productions. National Coalition Against Censorship and the Center for Democracy and Technology.