My school wants to pay to use some of my photos, how do I copyright them?

Question

I only want to allow them to use the photos for one specific event, no oner times. How do I do this?

Answer 1

Don't listen to the person before me, or anyone else for that matter, who thinks that you have to apply for copyright. As soon as you create something original, the copyright is yours, so long as you can prove that you came up with it. The idea of mailing your work to yourself works because your artistic product is sealed in a dated envelope.

Answer 2

If you want to copyright your photos, you'll need to apply for a copyright... which takes a long time and means you'll probably have to consult with a lawyer.

The easiest thing to do would be to simply print your photos with your name and date included or ask that your school credits you for the photos in print.

But there's a catch in all this... You can copyright your photos but it doesn't stop anyone from using them or claiming the photos to be their own... especially if your photos end up on the web. Even if someone steals your work, you still need to prove that you suffered some kind of financial loss as a direct result of the theft.

With all the confusion over the validity of copyright laws on the web and over national borders, I suspect the idea of copyrighting anything will be obsolete in a few years.

Answer 3

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 4

You have a copyright on your photos as soon as you take them. What you need to allow the school to use an image for one event is a contract. Something in writing that states what uses they do and do not have permission to use the image for. You can have a lawyer draw one up, or you can come up with something and type it up. Print out 2 copies, one for you and one for the school, and keep your copy filed somewhere safe. There's a wonderful book that is full of contracts for photographers, showing step by step what's included and it includes each contract on CD-Rom

Answer 5

Do exactly what Vickie R says, she is right on. Also you could sign, and date your work on the rear of the photo and add Do not duplicate without permission, Or on a sticker affixed to the back.Name ,date, do not copy.Photography is sort of unique when it comes to copy write. As long as you identify the work as yours. Just like the studios you get portraits at.They all have their logo somewhere on the front. No one can get copies not even if your the subject.Keep up the good work. Remember,when letting someone use,or show your work, be specific as to what ,and how many times they can use it. Like Vickie says put it on paper,two copies.Always with dates.Good Luck, and never say "wait until the light goes on.

Answer 6

There are many good suggestions in here but I would suggest an easy way to copyright your photos is to print your name on them in 72 point transparent type. You won't spoil the view and it makes them near impossible to copy...............

Answer 7

You have to apply for a copyright. If your photos are that good, you should already have a copyright lawyer. If you do not, GET ONE. It will well be worth it, you freakin' Liebowitz.

Answer 8

Put the a copy of the photograph in an envelope and send it to yourself. That's an easy way to copy right something.