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What is a copyright?

We hear the term a lot, but do we really know what it means? When the term “copyright” is used, it is referring to the protection provided by the Federal Copyright Act, Title 17 of the United States Code.

The Copyright Act protects photographers by giving the creator of the photograph (in this case the photographer) the exclusive right to copy, edit and distribute the image by sale or transfer.

This Act makes it illegal to copy, scan, edit, or share photographic prints and digital media without the photographer’s permission. Violators of this Federal Law may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Because these photographs are a work of art, I wanted you to know about this important copyright protection. By respecting the law, you help protect the photographer’s rights and it also prevents you from being subject to any prosecution. Beyond that, it helps make sure that these photographs retain their original value as a work of art!

If you need additional copies of your prints, would like the right to scan images, or wish to post your images online or on social media accounts, please contact me.  All reasonable requests will likely be accommodated, but in some cases may require the payment of an additional fee.

If you have questions, just ask! I am more than happy to help answer them!

For more information on copyrights, visit:

https://www.copyright.gov/registration/photographs/

How do I know if it’s copyright infrigment?

  • If an image has been scanned.
  • If an image has been claimed as your own.
  • Manipulating the image without permission.
  • Screenshot or Dowmloading the images without permission.

FAQ’s

I paid for the digital images? Do I own them?

Not necessarily! When images are created, copyright is automatically secured by the photographer. However, there are exceptions, when copyright is purchased from the photographer then the copyright is released to the client. Therefore, the photographer will transfer the copyright in writing.

How Long Does Copyright Last?

copyright is the life of the creator unless copyright has been transferred.

If you want to know what are your rights are for printing & sharing, click here!

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