Image Copyright
The ASMP has a nice tutorial on how to tackle the copyright process for you photographs:
You already own it. In most cases, unless you specifically signed away your rights, you — the photographer — own the copyright and the right to license and re-license the image in any way you choose. This is true even if you have not registered your copyright or put your copyright notice on the image. Where registration makes a real difference is when something has gone wrong and your rights are being infringed.
The PPA also has a Copyright Kit that you can order (members only), which explains the process and provides the necessary steps.
Check them out and decide for yourself if and when you should copyright your images. Keep in mind that you may only be able to stop the unauthorized use of unregistered images, usually with no compensation. If your images are registered with the copyright office you may be entitled to possible compensation for their usage. Also keep in mind the U.S. Copyright Laws are just that, and may not protect your images for out of country use.
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 - Scott Kelby
I just finished reading Scott Kelby’s The Digital Photography Book, Vol 2. It was an easy read, with lots of great tips for aspiring shooters (and possibly a new trick for an old dog). Written in typical Scott Kelby fashion, it was a little sarcastic at times, which just makes it that much more interesting.
Scott Kelby, author of the groundbreaking bestseller “The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 1” is back with an entirely new book that picks up right where Vol. 1 left off. It’s more of that “Ah ha—so that’s how they do it,” straight-to-the-point, skip the techno jargon; packed with stuff you can really use today, that made Vol. 1 the world’s bestselling book on digital photography.
If you’re looking to pick up a few pointers from a pro (and who isn’t), this book is well worth the read. If you’re a NAPP member, you can probably even get a little discount. And of course if you haven’t read The Digital Photography Book, Vol 1, then pick up a copy of that while you’re at it. Keep ‘em coming Scott!
Wedding Quick Tip
Photograph enough wedding events, and this will happen to you!
You’re positioned off the isle in a massive church about 5 isles from the front. You’re all set to go, waiting for the mother’s to be escorted down to be seated.
Your loaded with a fresh roll of film (or your card has plenty of room to spare). You glance at your strobe ready light, good to go.
Music starts up; you pick a person about ten feet down the isle to pre-focus on.
At about fifteen feet you step out and squeeze off a nice shot of the groom’s mother escorted by the brides brother.
No way to get the groom’s father, he’s tucked in to close behind in tow . . . “damn”!
You step back in the pew as the mother passes and is seated. Piece of cake, you’re all ready pre-focused, and you know the next shot goes when the next couple passes the dude in the plaid jacket ten feet down the isle. It went smooth the first time.
Here comes the mother of the bride escorted by one of the groomsmen some sort of track star! Why is he going so fast? No problem I’ll make the adjustment, and step out when she’s about five feet before the guy in the plaid to make up for the speed.
You calmly step out, squeeze a shot off. NOTHING!
You fire off another as they pass (nice side shot, NOT) no strobe!
You check your ready light . . . it’s fine.
Hit the test button on your strobe and it fires flawlessly.
It must be the pc cord or shoe? You juggle and check everything, it should be fine. Something must have just been loose.
People around you are looking at you funny, but you smile back. Are they looking at you because they noticed you didn’t get the shot, or because you’re bright red and sweating?
Here comes the bride’s maid. At the plaid man . . . step out . . . fire . . . nothing!
All of the sudden, music starts that you don’t want to hear . . . “daaaaa da ta da”. (Now’s the time to stroke out).
You glance towards your spares sitting in the last pew, about 20 feet a quarter mile down the isle. Never make it, the bride’s already started down the isle.
I don’t think stepping out and yelling, “Stop Everything” would appear to professional.
Relax and stay cool, I’ll help you through this!
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