In a world where photographers face constant challenges in protecting and monetizing their creative works, 85% of photographers report having experienced unauthorized use of their images at least once in their careers. For Koen Van Damme, an architectural and street photographer, a legal battle over his work became a pivotal moment. It underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard his creativity and livelihood. Today, thanks to Capture, Koen not only protects his work but has also unlocked innovative ways to monetize his art.
The Legal Battle That Changed Everything
In early 2021, Koen discovered that one of his photos had been published on an architecture editorial website without his permission. The editor claimed the image had been sourced from a Dubai-based company, one of Koen’s previous clients. Despite reaching out to the editor and requesting proper licensing, the situation escalated. Determined to defend his rights, Koen contacted SOFAM, a collective authors' rights association for visual artists in Belgium, but was informed that they couldn’t handle individual cases. Left with limited options, he turned to Pixsy, a copyright enforcement service.
After two court hearings, the verdict was devastating. While the judge acknowledged Koen’s copyright, the court ruled that he couldn’t provide definitive proof that the 12 images were his. This left him not only without justice but also burdened with €8,000 in legal fees.
"The experience was a harsh wake-up call," Koen recalls. "I realized that having copyright wasn’t enough. I needed indisputable proof of authorship."
Discovering Capture: A Game-Changing Tool
In 2021, Koen came across the Capture Cam app on Product Hunt. Intrigued by its simplicity and creative possibilities, he began using the app daily. Initially reminiscent of Instagram’s early days—when social media felt more inspiring and less transactional—Capture Cam quickly became central to his workflow. It allowed him to document both personal moments and professional projects seamlessly.
Since then, Koen has captured over 1,000 images using Capture Cam. The instant and fast character of shooting with a phone is enjoyable. Many of these images have been transformed into NFTs, providing him with an innovative way to monetize his work in a rapidly growing market.
How Capture Solved Koen’s Problem
1. Securing Provenance with Capture Dashboard
- Koen began using Capture Dashboard to register the provenance of every photo he created. By leveraging blockchain technology, Capture enabled him to embed irrefutable proof of authorship directly into his work.
- "Capture gives me peace of mind. Every photo I share or sell is registered, leaving no room for doubt about its origins," Koen explains.
- This proactive approach marked a significant shift from his previous reactive efforts; now he is always prepared to defend his rights if necessary.
2. Monetizing Everyday Creativity
- Through Capture Cam, Koen started turning personal photos—like pictures of his cat and snapshots of daily life—into NFTs. The global NFT market for photography is expected to grow to $3.2 billion by 2025, and Koen is now an active participant in this burgeoning ecosystem.
- “Once minted and priced as NFT, a photograph is to take or to leave, to buy or not. There’s no price negotiation,” Koen says.
- This unexpected move opened new revenue streams for him, showcasing the versatility of Capture’s tools.
3. A Showcase and Monetization Hub
- Koen’s Capture Showcase page has become a vital part of his online presence. Acting as both a portfolio and a monetization platform, it allows fans and clients to purchase or license his photos directly.
- "With Capture Showcase, I have a professional portfolio that doesn’t just display my work—it helps me earn from it," Koen says.
The Results: A New Era for Koen’s Photography
Capture has fundamentally transformed Koen’s approach to photography:
- Peace of Mind: Blockchain-based provenance ensures that his photos are protected from misuse.
- New Revenue Streams: NFTs and his Showcase page have diversified his income.
- Creative Freedom: With risks minimized, Koen can focus on exploring new ideas and projects.
"Capture has changed how I manage my career. It’s not just about protecting my work—it’s about empowering me as a creator," Koen shares.
Conclusion: Empowering Photographers to Take Control
Koen Van Damme’s story serves as a powerful reminder for photographers everywhere: protecting and monetizing your art has never been more important. 62% of photographers express a desire for better tools to safeguard their work; yet many remain unaware of solutions like Capture.
With its blockchain-powered provenance, innovative monetization options, and professional Showcase tools, Capture empowers photographers to secure their art and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Take control of your photography today—try Capture and transform your creative journey!
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Use the free trial code to register and try: 7983NK
Or contact us to learn more about how Capture can empower your creations!
