Dear Fellow Image Creator:
Thank you for your input. You brought up an informative question. Why copyright? Below is some information about the subject and a link for more facts dealing with the question of why copyright your images.
Sincerely,
CCC
Copyright your digital photos
One common misconception for any startup photographer is: once you've captured the photo, it completely belongs to you. However, in order to claim ownership and file a potential copyright infringement suit, you must properly present and copyright your work, register your photos, and know your rights as a professional photographer.
Step One: Properly Copyright Your Print and Digital Photos
Many photographers often include a copyright notice in the footer of their photo; some even overlay their copyrights with a watermark. It may seem like a no-brainer at first, but consider the following three rules:
1. Include the copyright symbol: ©
2. Include the year, or more precisely the date of your photo's publication
3. Include your professional photography business name
Two more recommendations for copyright inclusion:
Consider adding your geographical location. This could help in court to speed up the process of identifying potentially similar business names.
It's also a good practice to include "All Rights Reserved". This phrase is automatically assumed in the U.S., however, it's not always the case in other parts of the world. Although the U.S. serves as the dominant photography market, consider the option of registering a copyright in other countries. Some countries make clear distinctions between moral rights and economic rights in photography usage and copyright restrictions.
Link:
http://www.weddingphotographydirectory.com/wedding-photo/for-wedding-photographers/professional-articles/photo-copyright-protection.aspxStep Two: Register Your Photography with the U.S. Copyright Office
Step Three: Getting to Know Your Photography Ownership Rights
Related Articles:
Your Rights to Shoot Photography On-Location and Image Usage
Model Release Primer: Liabilities and Release Form Samples