Copyright can be confusing. What is copyright, who owns what, why all the fuss, how can I get copies made, and are there any exceptions or questions that frequently rise. This is designed to provide information to help customers understand why some photos cannot be copied by the lab.
Copyright Act give "copyright" protection to "authors" for their "original works," such as photographs. Among the protections that copyright owners have are the exclusive rights to:
1. Make copies of the work
2. Prepare other works based on the original
3. Distribute copies of the work to the public by sales, rental, lease, or lending
4. To publicly perform and display the work.
These rights are protected by laws which provide for damages and criminal penalties for violations. Both the customer and the lab are subject to the law.
Who Owns What?
The law says the "author" is the owner of the copyright. The author of a photo or image is usually the person who snapped the shutter or created the image. If you took the photo, you own the copyright. If a professional photographer took the photo for you, then he or she owns the copyright. If that photographer is an employee of a studio or other person in the business of making photos, then his or her employer is considered the author.
Why ???
The primary reason is economic. Photographers feel they invest a lot of time and creative energy in getting experience, and setting the camera, pose, lighting, background, and extra shots to get the right one. They generally price their services by taking into account the fact customers will purchase their prints from the photographer. Thus, the photographer wants the customer to come to him or her to request reprints so an appropriate fee can be charged.
Some photographers charge a realistic fee "up front" to compensate for their services, whether or not prints are ordered. They may authorize the customer to have prints made anywhere.
Some photographers also are concerned about artistic integrity. Since their name is associated with the photos, they want control over how the reprints look. There may be many other reasons. You are encouraged to discuss these issues with your photographer. That way, his or her position can be fully explained, and you can obtain the additional copies you desire.
How Can I Use, post, or Get Copies Made?
If we cannot use, post or make the copies for you, go to your photographer and request them. A professional photographer will do their best to see your needs are met. If they cannot make the copies, they may authorize you to make them. A consent form is usually available for you to take to the photographer.
Copyright Act give "copyright" protection to "authors" for their "original works," such as photographs. Among the protections that copyright owners have are the exclusive rights to:
1. Make copies of the work
2. Prepare other works based on the original
3. Distribute copies of the work to the public by sales, rental, lease, or lending
4. To publicly perform and display the work.
These rights are protected by laws which provide for damages and criminal penalties for violations. Both the customer and the lab are subject to the law.
Who Owns What?
The law says the "author" is the owner of the copyright. The author of a photo or image is usually the person who snapped the shutter or created the image. If you took the photo, you own the copyright. If a professional photographer took the photo for you, then he or she owns the copyright. If that photographer is an employee of a studio or other person in the business of making photos, then his or her employer is considered the author.
Why ???
The primary reason is economic. Photographers feel they invest a lot of time and creative energy in getting experience, and setting the camera, pose, lighting, background, and extra shots to get the right one. They generally price their services by taking into account the fact customers will purchase their prints from the photographer. Thus, the photographer wants the customer to come to him or her to request reprints so an appropriate fee can be charged.
Some photographers charge a realistic fee "up front" to compensate for their services, whether or not prints are ordered. They may authorize the customer to have prints made anywhere.
Some photographers also are concerned about artistic integrity. Since their name is associated with the photos, they want control over how the reprints look. There may be many other reasons. You are encouraged to discuss these issues with your photographer. That way, his or her position can be fully explained, and you can obtain the additional copies you desire.
How Can I Use, post, or Get Copies Made?
If we cannot use, post or make the copies for you, go to your photographer and request them. A professional photographer will do their best to see your needs are met. If they cannot make the copies, they may authorize you to make them. A consent form is usually available for you to take to the photographer.