How do I obtain a copyright for my photography?

Answer 1

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Copyright protection is NOT AUTOMATIC!!! While you own the work, you do not have much legal claim against infringement. You must register the work with the Library of Congress to get an actual copyright. If you do not do this, your work is not actually protected. That means anyone can use your images without compensation to you, and you don't have much legal claim against them. (Stock agencies, for example, don't have to pay you.) Also, if you shoot the photo, you own the copyright, regardless of whether you have been paid. The only exception to this is if you sigh a Work for Hire agreement. Then the employer owns the image(s).

Assuming you live in the United States, the process is as follows:
To obtain a copyright on images, go to the Library of Congress' website: www.loc.gov and download form V (Visual). Fill out the form, send in an example of the work and the fee ($45.) You can batch work to save money, for example, Jeannie, 2006 images, vol. 1. Each volume is charged. You can now submit images on disk.

There are arguements for not copyrighting work: that it is nearly impossible to collect, ect. BALONEY! One thing is certain: without the LOC copyright, you have almost no legal basis for a claim. You will at least have standing in court if you have done this small, thing. I can also tell you the day I got my first copyright notice back from the LOC, I felt that I was somebody, distinct from the crowd.
That was worth the work and a few bucks.

Good luck and keep shooting.

Answer 3

You automatically retain the copyright to the image unless you are being paid to take it. That is the law plain and simple.

No forms or special copys.... Just take it and it is yours!

Beaux

Answer 4

Try here: