Copyrights

The issue has come up recently where people ask, "Why can't I use the images you've taken to make my own things such as prints, invitations, books, or banners?"

Here's an excerpt from the Professional Photographers of America's website. I think it answers the question in more precise way than I can.

"Things to remember about copyright:

• Copyright is a property right.
• Just because you buy a print does not mean you have purchased the copyright.
• Professional photographers are the smallest of small copyright holders.
• Under the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, photographs are protected by copyright from the moment of creation.
• Photographers have the exclusive right to reproduce their photographs (right to control the making of copies).
• Unless you have permission from the photographer, you can’t copy, distribute (no scanning and sending them to others), publicly display (no putting them online), or create derivative works from photographs.
• A photographer can easily create over 20,000 separate pieces of intellectual property annually.
• Professional photographers are dependent on their ability to control the reproduction of the photographs they create.
  • It affects their income and the livelihood of their families.
• Even small levels of infringement—copying a photo without permission—can have a devastating impact on a photographer’s ability to make a living.
• Copyright infringements—reproducing photos without permission—can result in civil and criminal penalties."

To learn more about copyrights or the PPA, or for the source, please visit: http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/copyright.php

If you have questions regarding my copyrighted images, feel free to ask. If you'd like to use my photos for a product I don't offer, I will try to find a way to offer it. If it's not possible, we may be able to work out a limited copyright release for a fee.

When in doubt - ask!