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A Few Words About Copyrights and Image Licensing
Photographers and other creative types make their living by creating as well as re-selling images. Re-selling means not just prints, but usage and licensing rights of an image. A single image can have multiple uses-for instance, an image might make a beautiful framed print as well as an eye-catching billboard. Other images might serve a client whose needs target a certain consumer market, as well as illustrate an editorial story or book. Licensing fees for these different uses of an image vary according to application, press run, and size.
In all instances, the rights to grant usage of a photographic image, ie the copyrights, are legally and inherently held by the photographer from the moment the image is captured or created. Unless the photographer has assigned copy, usage, or licensing rights to another person or company, or unless the project is a 'work for hire' the copying or usage of an image without permission is a violation of copyright law. An image might be published without a copyright notice, but that does not mean it is not protected by copyright laws.
Considerable training, effort, and time go into creating original images, and photographs are considered intellectual property. Using an image for the basis of another photograph or illustration is considered 'comping' and is also a violation of copyrights.
As a professional photographer, it is my business to monitor and enforce copyrights. Violations of copyrights are subject to usage fees beyond standard pricing, fines and, if applicable, court costs and attorneys fees. Several images on this website were created as works for hire and are used with permission of the copyright holder. Granting of usage rights of those images to third parties is unavailable, and unauthorized usage or downloading of certain images might result in third-party legal action.
I hope this page has helped you understand a bit more about copyrights, and that you understand my position and choose to abide by the law. If you want to learn more about copyrights, please visit the Copyright Office at:
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html
Images on this website are for viewing on the web only. If you see an image you are interested in using on your website or for publication, please contact me about licensing rights:
licensing@staceyrain.com
Also, many of the images on this site are available as prints. If you would like to order, please visit the galleries at:
www.printroom.com/pro/staceyrain
Thank you.
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