Copyright?

Question

I'm a just-starting freelance photographer. Do I need to send in every single picture I take to be copyrighted? Somehow that doesn't seem right to me, so I must be misunderstanding something. I mean I could take countless pictures a day. Can someone please clear it up for me?

If I only need a copyright on something being circulated, does that mean I would need a copyright on those photos when I submit them or just if who I submit them to chooses them?

Answer 1

In the UK at least, copyright is automatic and does not require registration of any sort.
A web search under 'patents, copyright' will explain the law in other countries.

Answer 2

Under current international law (Berne Convention, WTO, etc.) any creative work (including photographs) are copyrighted to and by you as soon as you produce them, unless you release them under some other model (public domain, creative commons,etc.)

Once copyrighted, you can sue for copyright infringement.

Registering the copyright with the US Copyright office has two added benefits. First, it registers a specific date which is the latest that your copyright took effect. In other words, you may have had copyright before that date, but we're sure you had it at least as of that date.

Second, you can sue for statutory damages for infringement. Without registration, you would have to prove actual damages (loss of income, interference with business, etc). With registration, damages can be automatic for infringement.

Answer 3

only copyright what is about to be published in a mag or other periodical. You can put a water mark on them if you present them on the internet, but as with songwriting, only if they go out into circulation is a copyright needed.

Answer 4

you dont have to send in every single picture but you can send it in a package. but you must get your work copywritten though. if i had to send in each one in an effort to prevent someone else from stealing my work and getting paid, thats the sacrifice i would take.