When you own the copyright of a photograph, you have complete and exclusive control of how it is reproduced, displayed and distributed. These rights may be assigned, sold, transferred or given away. But if you give a slide to a publisher, email a digital file to a client, or sell a print at an art show, you have not transferred your copyright unless stated so specifically in a written agreement that you have signed. Instead, you have given the recipient “non-exclusive rights” - you still own the copyright to the image. But when you transfer the copyright in writing to another party, you relinquish all rights to the image. It is as if you never took the photograph.

Copyright infringement is much too common these days.  To reap the big statutory rewards (of at least $750 and up to $150,000 for willful infringements, plus costs and attorneys’ fees) from prosecuting infringements, you must have registered your photograph with the U.S. Copyright Office prior to the infringement or within three months of publishing it (making it available to the public).

Some photographers are satisfied with their photography as a hobby. Others choose to operate it as a side business to earn some money from it. A few turn their photography business into full-time careers. If you decide to start a full or part-time photography business, you’ll need to select what kind of business it’s going to be. There are several types of legal entities to choose from, with financial and operational pros and cons for each of them. Evaluate the options carefully and seek advice from an attorney and an accountant before making the decision. You can later change your form of business, but that can be difficult and may require extensive documentation.

You're sitting in your easy chair and surfing the web. You're not paying much attention, until you see it. It's your photo, but you did not post it there. You can';t believe they used your photo without your permission. Do you care? Maybe your photo is being used by a family to decorate its news page. Maybe it's being used to sell a product. Does that make a difference to you? If the answer to both questions is no, then read no further. If the answer is yes to one or both, then read on.