This is one of the most misunderstood topics – “copyright”. As soon as the creator of an image pulls the trigger, they are the owner of the image. Not YOU! It doesn’t matter if you’ve hired a professional, weekend shoot and burner, student or volunteer. All created images are protected under federal copyright laws. Violation of copyright laws puts you at risk legally.
You have to negotiate the rights to the photographer’s images. Those rights should be spelled out to you in writing. Read them in detail. The more rights you want, the more you will pay. If the photographer delivers a CD of camera images make sure you have the right to copy or print the images and get the rights spelled out in writing. Even the local discount warehouse does not want to wind up in court for printing an image that doesn’t belong to you. Back to your friend with the big expensive looking camera and a big lens, make sure they understand what usage rights you expect.
I’ve only touched the surface on wedding photography. I could go on and on. But this should get you started. Congratulations on your engagement and have a wonderful wedding and life. Feel free to email me with questions.
Tom Szabo, “Phot-art-ographer”
A Thomas Image
www.athomasimage.com
