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!
