Scott Kelby did an interview with a copyright attorney. You have to watch this!

Great info for all photographers!

Great info, Terry!

Now the questions to answer are:

1. How do you copyright your images?
2. How much does it cost?
3. How long does the copyright last?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Thom,

1. You fill out this form (PDF) and mail it in with your images on a CD
2. $45
3. 20 Years

Wow, that's handy!

I took a quick peek at it. It looks like it's "one form per photo?" I saw a "Title" area, and it said list only ONE....so I'm assuming (I didn't read it all yet.)

Is it $45 bux PER image? Or for a gaggle of images?

Have you done this yet, Terry? Are you gonna?

Kinda cool, actually.

It's $45 per Disc (as many images as you can fit)/ "Collection". I believe it is one form per "Collection" Yes, I plan to do it.

Here's a link to someone who has outlined the process:

http://www.tkrphoto.com/archives/127

Thanks!

I guess my NEXT question is.....

Would it be best to just file everything you have for copyright? Or really just the stuff you think you might use or would be at risk of theft?

I guess if I were to answer my own question, it would be to file every image I plan on posting online or showing in public.

If you plan to use a shot on the web or in print ANYWHERE besides your own home, then those would be the ones I'd send. Also think about shots you may enter into a contest some day. Those would go too.

And if we really think about it, should we be holding on to shots we never plan to use?

It's hard hitting the delete button, I know! I've got to do some house cleaning myself.

The Copyright office has launched an electronic verison which is $10 cheaper ($35) and you can upload your files. Cool!

To alter the direction of the discussion slightly, does anyone know where to find copyright info on books?

Specifically, would a book published in 1963 be in the public domain if the author never renewed the copyright? Would 1963 copyright laws apply to the book, or 2008 laws?

Thanks.

quote:

does anyone know where to find copyright info on books?

Try these, Chuck

http://www.copyright.gov/

http://www.copyright.gov/records/cohm.html

This chart might get you started. It's a web page from Cornell Univ. It includes a pdf version.

http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/public_domain/

That last citation was very helpful, but it appears to contradict the 1st citation.