Copyright - Why is it important

Everyone always hears photographer and many other artist talk about copyright infringement.  Do you know what it means?  Or that something you can break copyright without even realizing it?

What is copyright?
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time, with the intention of enabling the creator of intellectual wealth (e.g. the photographer of a photograph or the author of a book) to receive compensation for their work and be able to financially support themselves.
Copyright is a form of intellectual property (as patents, trademarks and trade secrets are), applicable to any expressible form of an idea or information that is substantive and discrete. It is often shared, then percentage holders are commonly called rightsholders: legally, contractually and in associated "rights" business functions.^{[citation needed]} Generally rightsholders have "the right to copy", but also the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other forms, who may perform the work, who may financially benefit from it, and other related rights. (www.wikipedia.com)

Ok so that's the formal definition.  Here it is in lemans term.  You can not copy, reproduce, alter or change any image in any way with out written consent from the creator.  Basically no changes or printing without permission. 

So you are probably saying well if I have a session and buy a CD what Can I do with my images.  With each photographer it is different so be sure to have them explain it.  KRP Photography NEVER gives a copyright release to anyone which means we still own all photos.  However we do give a print release.  What is the difference?  Copyright release means you will own the images not me.  Print Release means I am giving you permission to print photos but not alter.

Here is an example of what is included in a Print Release:
To Whom It May Concern: The bearer of this notice (“Bearer”) has purchased high-resolution digital files from his/her photography session with KRP Photography. Bearer is hereby granted permission by KRP Photography to reproduce the images and make an unlimited number of prints, for personal use only. This permission applies worldwide. Bearer agrees that he/she may not use any KRP Photography images for commercial or editorial purposes, or enter any KRP Photography images into competition without the express written permission of KRP Photography. KRP Photography retains the copyright to all images, per USC Title 17 (US Copyright Law).

 Copyright and Licensing Notice:  KRP Photography retains all copyright to the photographs.   Photos cannot be altered in any way. The images that are being provided to you are licensed to you for any reasonable personal purposes, including but not limited to: printing, copying, emailing, and web publishing. Your license does not include use that results in financial gain, including but not limited to: advertising, stock photography, print sale profits, or resale of any nature. Your purchase of the original files releases KRP Photography from any liability due to loss or damage of the images, and also releases KRP Photography from any obligation to maintain copies of any digital file, image, or photograph. You hereby grant to KRP Photography the right to use and publish images and photographs taken at your photography session to further promote its service, including portfolio, web site, display, advertisement, and editorial use. KRP Photography agrees to limit the use of these images and photographs to promotional use only.

 KRP Photography may revoke this license at any time and for any reason. KRP Photography retains all copyrights to the images and derivative works thereof. By using any of these images, you are agreeing to the above terms.

 

 If at anytime you unsure about what you would like to do with a photo that KRP photography took, please ask first so we can avoid any infringements.  Thank you for taking the time to read!