Sometimes, I work with photographers who’ve improved so much, especially during
private lessons, that they've started producing work that others use commercially or editorially.
When that happens, it’s time to talk about the business of photography and Copyright.
When we create an original photograph, we automatically get something that goes along with it.
What we get is the Copyright to our work.
Copyright is a bundle of rights granted to us by the Copyright Act.
Our Copyright is exclusive to us unless we grant someone one or more of those rights to use the work.
Our physical pictures are valuable; however, if we're in the business of photography, there's nothing more valuable and useful than the Copyright to our work.
We make money by selling a license fee to someone so they can use our work in a limited way and time.
We add
the licensing fee as a separate line item to any charges we make for our time and expenses.
If anyone uses our work without our permission, they've committed Copyright Infringement, which is an offense covered under federal law and carries stiff penalties for the infringer.
However, if we use the copyright law to its full leverage, we need to register our work with the U.S. Copyright Office.
I can talk about this stuff all day, especially my
experience.
Instead, I've included some information below and a couple of links if you wanna dig deeper.
Copyright Exclusive Rights
Here's a list of the bundle of exclusive rights we get as creators of original works.
1. Right to control the reproduction of the work
2. Right to control the making of derivative works
3. Right to control the distribution of the work
4. Right to control the public performance of the work
5. Right to control the public display of the work
6. Right to perform a sound recording publicly
using digital audio transmission
Photographers need to stay informed about Copyright.
We can do
that when we Join the alliance—membership is free.
You’ll learn more about your Copyright-exclusive rights and stay current with copyright law.
https://copyrightalliance.org/education/copyright-law-explained/copyright-owners-rights/copyright-exclusive-rights/
The Introduction To Photography class starts soon.
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.
Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
Currently scheduled classes are below.
Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person lessons suited to your schedule are always an
option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
