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Copyright law and photography

Many people get confused about laws regarding the use of photographic images in books, newspapers, collections, and most of all the web. You should be familiar with the laws, as well as your obligation to obtain model releases from people you photograph, and when they are minors, from their parents.

Let's do a little research on the subject.

1. United States Government Copyright Information on photography
2. Model releases Look at the difference between a model release for an adult and for a minor. When are model releases necessary? This Nikon user forum brings up a number of issues and suggestions of interest.

3. Cautions from the internet
4. Lawsuits that have been settled. Alberto Korda did not mind that thousands of artists and photographers used his image of Che Guevara without his permission. But he did draw the line when one advertiser stood to gain a lot in profit. Read about the case covered by CNN.

5. What can happen if somebody uses my photograph without my permission?

March 02, 2008 |

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Of interest to photographers

Local Photography

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