At least once a week I read the warnings from agents about copying photographs. Honestly, I haven't given it much thought until today. Like most experiences, it seems a bit pronounced when the effect hits home. The words in the endless warnings never mentioned the emotional side of a stolen photograph.
In the middle of my busy, hectic, Monday-all-over-again day, I received an email from a friend who had recognized one of my photographs. Anyone who knows me, and even those who have only read one or two of my ramblings know that I lost a very dear friend not too long ago.
His name was Jackson. He was my sidekick, my foot warmer, my best friend, and my comfort. Jackson was a quirky cocker spaniel who for 14 lovely years never once left my side. We were inseparable. Inseparable until tainted peanut butter in a toy caused his painful, untimely death. He died just as he lived, right by my side.
Anyone who has had the priviledge of being loved by such a soul can understand; time does not heal all wounds.
My memory had been stolen. Not only had it been stolen but had been photo shopped and commercialized. It took my breath away. To keep from humiliating myself, I had to actually step outside of my office to gather my thoughts and my emotions. This particular photo was taken only days before I had to say goodbye to Jackson. It has much value to me in so many ways. 
An art student had copied my photo and submitted it for the cover of the Marine Corps Air Station Air Show. The worst part is she "edited" out my Jackson's ears, my favorite of his features.
It wasn't pride nor possession that hurt so deeply, it was having my memory changed. That day was so perfect, so beautiful. I was on the boat with my two favorite people in the world and captured a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life. She copied that moment and changed it.
I contacted her directly and eventually she responded. She didn't seem to understand why I was so upset. She simply said she thought it was a good picture and felt she could make it better. Well, she can't make it better; no one can.
So before you Google an image, think about the moment, the memory, and the story behind it. What may seem as so general, so normal, so easy, may actually be anything but general.
My moment was posted all over someone else's social networks and commercial sites. Comments about my "moment" were everywhere.
Please think twice.
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