It’s the Law!!!

Here are some important points to know about photography copyrights. If you want more information, you can go to the Professional Photographers of America web site or call them at 1-800-786-6277. www.ppa.org

1. Copyright law gives a professional photographer certain exclusive rights, including the right to: reprint the photograph, sell reprints of the photo, create modified images based on the photo and display the image publicly.

2. Just because a photograph is on the Internet does not mean it is in the public domain

3. Copyright law protects the photographer even if the photographer has not gotten a copyright registration and even if the photograph is published without a copyright notice.

4. You can be personally liable for copyright infringement even if you did not mean to break the law.

5. Purchasing prints of a photo or a CD or DVD from a professional photographer does NOT transfer the copyright of the photo to you without a release.

6. Reputable printers and large companies such as Costco will want to see a written release form before you print photographs from a professional photographer.

Be sure to have this important discussion regarding releases and copyright with your professional photographer!