My previous post on  "Portfolio What's Yours is Not Theirs"  has generated more comments than any other post.  In an effort to clarify the issues involved, and rise to meet some challenges offered by readers, the questions and my resulting answers are posted below: The answers were sent to the individuals, except for one who gave a bad address.

I was just released from my full time staff position of senior photographer I held for 7 years.  In those 7 years, I never had a contract or a non-compete about imagery and it's usage.  My former employer insists that I have ZERO rights to use any of the images to build a website and promote myself as an independent photographer.  On my last day he pushed an agreement in front of me stating, don't call clients, don't say anything bad about him, and he is offering me 8 images to take as my own. If I don't sign, he' s not going to give me my final check.  I had to sign just to get my money and get out of the building or I might have done something illegal to his physical being.  So 7 years have passed and I have to tell potential employers that I've been under a rock for 7 years. Or try to explain, "I really am a spectacular photographer you just need to trust me.  No I don't have any work to show you, but really, I'm great."