A photographer has accused Taylor Swift of 'double standards' after she criticised Apple Music over payment policies while her own management imposes restrictive terms on photographers.
Jason Sheldon, who runs Junction 10 agency in Walsall, wrote an open letter to the singer highlighting that her management requires photographers to sign agreements granting long-term rights to images from her concerts, preventing them from using the photos in their portfolios or websites after initial coverage.
Sheldon said the 2011 permission form for Swift's Birmingham concert included a clause giving her management 'perpetual worldwide right' to use the photographs for any non-commercial purpose, effectively giving away his work for free. He noted such clauses are becoming more common.
Swift recently threatened to withhold her album 1989 from Apple Music over its policy of not paying artists during a three-month trial period, leading Apple to reverse its decision. Sheldon argued that while he supports her stance, she should ensure her own practices are fair.
A spokesperson for Swift disputed Sheldon's claims, stating the standard photography agreement allows further use of images with management's approval and does not transfer copyright. They added that every artist has the right to protect their name and likeness.
Sheldon acknowledged seeing a stricter 2015 version of the contract but reiterated his call for consistency: 'If you don't like being exploited, make a huge statement about it. But how about making sure you're not guilty of the very same tactic?'
