Copyright
“How do I copyright my photo?” You don’t. It’s already copyrighted. You don’t need to submit a form, and you don’t have to use that “©” symbol or a digital watermark — those are just customary ways of identifying the copyright owner.
Copyright is an intellectual property right which (in U.S. and European law) is automatically bestowed exclusively upon the author (you) at the instant the artwork is created, e.g. when you press the shutter release. If you took the picture, you own the copyright, and it’s yours to use. (Note that other laws limit what type of picture you can sell).
But: “Will publishers use my photo without paying?” Generally no, as publishers live by copyright law and they usually have established rates which they gladly pay. A more likely problem is that publishers may not know that you are the copyright owner, which goes back to that “©” symbol and digital watermark.
Now that you automatically own the copyright, you can sell rights to other people with a license.
I am a photographer and selling sessions by CD only..which includes release of copyright…I was wondering tho what it usually cost per pic to own their photo for printing?
Hi Kristil:
Thanks for the good question. Sometimes the price to buy the copyright is three times the price to license the image. It is up to you how you want to sell/license your work, if you want to include the copyright, and how much you want to charge.
When I get a paid photo assignment, I usually give the copyright to the client. This is a form of work-for-hire, which I hope to write about later.
Best wishes,
Andrew
I tried selling a pic of Maria Menounos posing in Hustler in 1999 to AP (Associated Press). They would not be able to use it as it was already copyrighted by the magazine.