Copyright on photos

Rosso86

Rosso86

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Name
Matt
Edit My Images
Yes
This might be a really stupid question (and it probably is) but I've noticed that some people have copyright notices on their photos and others don't. Is this something that only needs to be done by professionals or is this something that I should be doing as well?

Thanks in advance, Rosso
 
Rosso86 said:
This might be a really stupid question (and it probably is) but I've noticed that some people have copyright notices on their photos and others don't. Is this something that only needs to be done by professionals or is this something that I should be doing as well?

Thanks in advance, Rosso
Click to expand...

I think you may mean a watermark and its all personal preference, by taking the photo you are the copyright holder unless you are shooting the photo under a specific contract that states different eg. Paid to shoot by your employer

Matt
MWHCVT
 
Hi Matt,

Copyright exists in the images you have shot whether or not you mark them. A watermark is staking your claim if you like, and by including copyright and contact details in the metadata, you are effectively inviting anyone who wishes to use your image to contact you for authorisation.

The use of a copyright symbol and/or your name, logo etc. certainly does not guarantee your images won't be used without you say so, but it makes it a tad more difficult for a rip off merchant to claim he thought they were public property.

Have a gander here:

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/p01_uk_copyright_law
 
That's the thing I meant, I'm glad you understand what I'm on about and didn't just read it and think I was a moron! Thanks Matt, I don't think I'll bother making one then (can't see anyone wanting any of my photos!) but wasn't sure if there was any other reason for me to do it :)
 
I tend to have it on the photos on my website simply because there have been many instances of the press stealing photos from the web and using them without permission, and not pying up, citing they are in the 'public interest'.

Hence, I'd at least get some publicity if they did use them!
 
Thanks Andy, and Yellowbelly (sorry, didn't see your post pop up last time I replied!) I think it's something I may do in the future if I start taking decent photos, until then I think I'll leave it!
 
You own the copyright on your photos by statutory law(made by parliament) without having to put any watermarks saying copyright on your photos.
BUT a lot of people don't know that and think they can do as they like with other peoples photos,which includes some Journalists and members of the media.
In this digital age and in particular the internet,once a photo is on the net it is available to millions of people,some of which might like your photo and use it in all innocence.If there is a watermark stating copyright on your photo,then they know it's copyrighted.I would encourage you to protect your copyright even if you think no one is interested in your photos.One mans poison:gag: is another mans food.:eek::thumbs:
 
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