On the internet, stealing photography is as easy as right-click and save. You need to know how to protect your images and what to do if they’re being misused.
This guide will explain copyright, infringement claims and when to use that little circle with a “c” in it. We’ll explain when you should issue a cease and desist letter, and when you should let it go. You’ll also learn about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and how it helps you.
First of all, what exactly is copyright?
Copyright in photography means that you own an image you created. The law says you created that image as soon as the shutter is released.
The photographer who pushed the button owns the copyright. A photographer will own that copyright throughout their life and 25 years afterwards.
Whether it’s photography on your hard drive, online portfolio, or a post on your Instagram feed, with this ownership, you have exclusive rights to your image according to the Copyright Law of the United States of America. This includes:
Reproducing your photography
Preparing derivative works based on your photography
Distributing copies of your photography to the public (by sale, rental, lease, or lending)
Publicly displaying your photography
Owning the copyright on your photography doesn’t require any special paperwork, or having the © associated with your image. The copyright will automatically apply once you post your photography online because at that point, it exists in a “tangible medium.” It’s out there, and it’s yours.
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/photography-copyright-law-guide

On the internet, stealing photography is as easy as right-click and save. You need to know how to protect your images and what to do if they’re being misused.
This guide will explain copyright, infringement claims and when to use that little circle with a “c” in it. We’ll explain when you should issue a cease and desist letter, and when you should let it go. You’ll also learn about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and how it helps you.
First of all, what exactly is copyright?
Copyright in photography means that you own an image you created. The law says you created that image as soon as the shutter is released.
The photographer who pushed the button owns the copyright. A photographer will own that copyright throughout their life and 25 years afterwards.
Whether it’s photography on your hard drive, online portfolio, or a post on your Instagram feed, with this ownership, you have exclusive rights to your image according to the Copyright Law of the United States of America. This includes:
Reproducing your photography
Preparing derivative works based on your photography
Distributing copies of your photography to the public (by sale, rental, lease, or lending)
Publicly displaying your photography
Owning the copyright on your photography doesn’t require any special paperwork, or having the © associated with your image. The copyright will automatically apply once you post your photography online because at that point, it exists in a “tangible medium.” It’s out there, and it’s yours.
https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/photography-copyright-law-guide