JMG-Galleries - Jim M. Goldstein Photography - Latest Comments in Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Allison Roe — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:23:12 -0000

I think watermarking might be the easiest way to protect your photos. There are many different opinions on watermarking but I am personally all for it. If you place your watermark right, it can make your photos much safer, and not disturb the concept. I've been adding watermark to my photos like this: http://www.paintshoppro.com... and so far I never had any problems nor complaints. I know there are watermarks that can be deleted easily, but I never had that problem.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Paulissa Kipp — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:49:34 -0000

How does one add a watermark? Is there a program I need to use for this? I am an amateur but still want to protect my work so yep, I will be copyrighting all of my work, especially since I am now beginning to do photo contests and art shows.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Andrew Morales — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 05:21:07 -0000

I'm curious, does the Copyright office download the images from your burned CD to a better storage medium, or do they simply file away the disc? Burned CDs only have a lifespan of a few years, so if they're simply storing them somewhere, you may find the discs might not be much help a couple decades down the road.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

alex moomey — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:53:16 -0000

this topic doesn't address the overlaps with model rights.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Jim Goldstein — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:11:11 -0000

@TranceMist The level of protection provided by the current law and filing process gives a photographer leverage. Leverage that is non-existent if copyrights are not filed. By default we own the copyright to an image once its taken, but if you have a problem with someone using that image in a way you do not approve of then you will have little power to address the problem you face. For better or worse lawyers are less prone to help you unless you pursue a copyright filing. In the end it comes down to payment for services. I would argue that the leverage provided by current copyright law is of benefit to those that are amateur as well as professional.

I am curious if someone decides to use an image of yours without permission and in a way you find offensive... what then? What do you do? Even in Creative Commons literature they recommend perfecting your copyright (aka filing with the Library of Congress). Not doing so just forfeits your rights. Isn't it better to have the full protection behind you and then you can opt to license or distribute as you feel fit? After all we don't forfeit our right to Free Speech if we don't feel we need to speak our mind, we just choose not to.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

TranceMist — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:15:19 -0000

Excellent post Jim.

However, part of me believes that this is already a very outdated model.

For those who rely on photography for their primary income, I can see why this model can't readily change.

For us amateurs who do it more "for the enjoyment" sharing is worth way more than copyright.

Something about copyright smacks of protectionism in the sense of "it's mine and you can't have any". Share and we'll all be the richer (if not financially).

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Whatever-ishere — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:12:03 -0000

thanks for the GREAT post! Very useful...

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Trevor Carpenter — Thu, 17 May 2007 12:39:16 -0000

Jim,
I've been reading your blog occaisionally. This post has convinced me that you have valuable information, that I need.

You've gained a committed reader.
Trevor

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

jim — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:49:31 -0000

Anytime Raoul. I hope the information proves to be useful.

Re: Copyrights: Protecting My Photography

Raoul — Thu, 17 May 2007 07:59:58 -0000

Thanks for this, Jim! Appreciate that you answered my question in such detail, and hope that others can benefit from this important information as well.