Copywrite Release

[SaundraU]

I think this one needs to be strengthened but I am not sure how (All my photos on back have the Copywrite Saundra's Photography No reproductions w/o written permission automatically printed on them)

SAUNDRA’S PHOTOGRAPHY
Phone: (612) 237-XXXX
WWW.Saundrasphotography.com

Copywrite Release Form for Photographers


Copyright Release Form for Photographs
TO __________________________________________________ ________________ (user)
FROM __________________________________________________ ______ (photographer)
RE ________________________________________ (photo) taken ______________ (date)
By receipt of this letter ___________________________________________ (photographer)
owner of ______________________________________, a professional photography studio,
grants _________________________________________________ permission to reproduce
__________________________________________________ (photo name and date taken)
_____________ (times, amounts, sizes, etc) in any means necessary for personal, non-commercial use .

Any infringements of this policy may violate federal law.
Signed: __________________________________________________ __ (photographer/agent)
Date: ___________________

[billbunton]

Well, IANAL, so I'll just comment that hopefully the form you end up with, and what you put on the back of all your photos, will spell 'copyright' correctly :-)

[SaundraU]

IANAL???

Opps sorry I was rushing. Thanks

[billbunton]

I Am Not A Lawyer :-)

[SaundraU]

Originally Posted by billbunton

I Am Not A Lawyer :-)

Thanks

[fivegrand]

I'm trying to figure out why you've drafted a "copyright release form" for "personal, non-commercial use."

Kinda scary, and difficult to enforce in any direction.

I wonder if what you're really wanting is a "usage license?"

[SaundraU]

Yes I did change it to a useage license

[SaundraU]

I should mention this is for digital images not prints

[rivy]

Jon, I was wondering about a "copyright Form" for my photos. I am new at submitting my photos for use in magazines. How should I word a "usage form'? Can you help me please. I want to submitt some pictures to a ranch magazine. What do I do legally? Right now I just want recognition, or should I seek only magazine that pay? Ronda

[rivy]

Jon, I was wondering about a "copyright form" for my photos. I am new at submitting my photos for use in magazines. How should I word a "usage form'? Can you help me please? I want to submitt some pictures to a ranch magazine. What do I do legally? Right now I just want recognition, or should I seek only magazine that pay? Ronda

[fivegrand]

Hi Ronda...

My personal position is only submit images to publications that will pay for the usage license (which, again, is what you really want, not a copyright form). Submitting for "credit only" cheapens the business and makes it that much more difficult for people like me to eat.

Here is my usage license. It's not the best, but it's enforceable (I know this - because I've had to enforce it with two publications).

To whom it may concern: In consideration of compensations as indicated below, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, reproduction permission is granted for (name publisher/publication here) to use any or all of the still, single, multiple or moving photographic images, video recordings or audio recordings (collectively hereafter the "Depictions"), or text (words and/or articles) contained and/or attached herein and/or presented before you for (state usage) in (state publication) [(or) for (state period of time)]. Where possible, photographer and/or author’s credit line is appreciated.

Nothing in this document is implied, expressed, or shall be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any right of copy of registered works.

All rights remain reserved by the Registered Copyright Owner.

This document shall remain attached to, embedded in or immediately adjacent to the below described registered copyrighted intellectual properties.
Description of depictions: (description of photos including filenames as sent and registered)

Description of text or article(s):

Compensation: Thank you,

[SaundraU]

Jon,

Why do you give them an option on photo credit?

[fivegrand]

I'm kinda grumpy today, so forgive my blunt abruptness (is "abruptness" a word? It is now lol)...

I give an option on credit because 99.9 3/4% of the time I don't send images anywhere that I'm not gonna get paid. I don't really care if I'm named or not, though most times I am. In magazine pictorials and editorials, I expect it but don't require it. Most of the fitness mags and websites are pretty good about it, unless they use the image in a cutout for something like their subscription cards. If I send an image with no expectation (for whatever reason) of getting a check, then credit (in several forms and locations within the publication) are required.

Also note that this is a general instrument - not necessarily an all-encompassing instrument that gets used for everything. In commercial situations, for example, (usually) all rights are assigned the commissioner (usually), who simply writes a (larger) check for full use. When was the last time you've seen a photo credit given in a Yamaha Motorcycles advertisement?

[SaundraU]

RGR that - just wondering.

[fivegrand]