“I Think it is so Cheesy”

That was the response given by former Alaska Governor and Vice-Presidential hopeful, Sarah Palin when asked about the current cover of Newsweek. Barbara Walters recently interviewed Ms. Palin and the cover photo was one of a variety of topics.

Sarah Palin was originally photographed for the August 2009 issue of Runner’s World. You can see the entire gallery by Brian Adams on the his stock agency’s web site.

The former governor recently wrote on her facebook page regarding the cover:

The choice of photo for the cover of this week’s Newsweek is unfortunate. When it comes to Sarah Palin, this “news” magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant. The Runner’s World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness – a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation. The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, gender, or color of skin. The media will do anything to draw attention – even if out of context.

- Sarah Palin

Current issue of Newsweek with Sarah Palin on the cover.

It’s pretty clear Newsweek has their own agenda by using Brian Adams’ image for their cover. Especially when you see a different set of images by the same photographer of Sarah Palin, portrayed in a completely different manner. These photos show a more conservative, professional Sarah Palin but clearly wouldn’t have caused the same commotion being on the cover.

I think it’s great that someone as high-profile as Sarah Palin emphasizes the importance of working out and being fit. The original profile in Runner’s World was a positive feature about the benefits of running. It’s a shame that the photos intended to promote something related around health and fitness have become something else.

Let this serve as a reminder to all of you who participate in photo shoots. Be clear on what the release form says and how the photos can and will be used. Many people are misinformed around photography rights. The photographer owns the photos and unless there is a full buyout of the images he/she can sell them to other publications. While the agency and the photographer were well with in their rights to sell the image, Newsweek is clearly out of line for the context in which they used it.