Labeling TTG photos

  • 1. It is easy to label one's own TTG photos

    To make the Trust Test Guarantee, the photographer puts a “TTG” before their name in the photo credit for their photo.

    If an “IC” alert is needed to avoid deceiving the viewer (as required by P8 of the Trust Test), the label reads “TTG/IC”.

  • 2. It is easy to publish others' TTG-labeled photos

    The TTG label cannot be credibly applied by anyone who did not take the photo, so the image provider publishes the “TTG” label (or “TTG/IC”) with the name of the photographer making the guarantee.

    Expectations of image providers

    Expectations of photographers who submit photos to image providers

  • 3. There are no rules about labeling TTG photos...

    Rules aren't necessary

    • TTG photographers can use whatever name or UOI they choose, including even the URL of their personal website.

    But note that image providers can opt to not publish a TTG-labeled photo if they find the guarantor's name or UOI problematic; see here.

    • As with the “Nonfiction” label for books, the letters “TTG” can be in any font, color, size, and location (except in the image area, as per P1).

    When convenient, the “TTG” can be in the same font and location as the photo credit that lists the photographer making the Trust Test Guarantee, but this is in no way required.

  • 4. . . . but three “labeling” things are strongly inadvisable.

    A. Viewers are told to dismiss the TTG label if the photographer prints anything in the image area (including the TTG label or the photographer's name)

    B. Viewers are told to dismiss the TTG label if the “IC” alert is not in the same font, color, size and location as the TTG (“TTG/IC”)

    C. Viewers are told to dismiss the TTG label if it has an “IC” but the photographer does not explain the “inapparent circumstances” to the viewer's satisfaction

    Photographers serious about earning viewers' trust may want to familiarize themselves with the reasons viewers disregard the TTG label (A, B, and C above are all on that linked page).

  • 5. One mention of TTG can cover multiple photographs

    Image providers are free to handle groups of TTG-guaranteed photos in whatever way they wish.

    There is no single “correct” way.

    All that matters is that viewers who see the TTG label also see:

    A) The name of the photographer who is staking their reputation on the Guarantee;

    and

    B) The “IC” and any additional explanation if the guaranteeing photographer has attached those things to the TTG label.

    More on labeling multiple photographs with one mention

 

Links to more information on labeling