I am starting a free lance career and want my photos copyrighted. Any sources? Thanks.

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I believe they're protected the instant you take them. If you're worried about uncredited theft you can always use a program where you can put them online but it puts in a watermark, so they must go to you for the original, or put on them the copyright symbol with your name.

Unless you explicitly assign the copyrights to someone else, by virtue of you being the creator of the photos, you already have copyright protection. Unfortunately, like patents, copyright protection does not necessarily mean that there are federal agents out there ready to arrest someone that uses your photos without your permission. It is up to you (the copyright owner) to discover violations of your copyright and then file a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement. That takes time and money which most people aren't willing (or able) to invest.

Your photos are automatically protected under copyright law, but be sure there is a notice that goes with your sold pieces that explains the artist still owns the copyright even after it's sold. Your customers need to know the law too, not just you - otherwise you may see your photo used for advertising by the person who bought it, who assumes they own the right upon purchase.

Like the others said, in the U.S. your photos are automatically copyright protected. they are YOUR property and unless you assign them to someone else, that copyright continues for your lifetime. There may be a way to "register" your copyrighted material but I am not sure how that happens. Lots of people publish their material to prove that they are the original owner just in case.

Place your name or watermark on your photos to help protect them. I've an example for you below of one of my photos: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL236/4556895/9649688/241070712.jpg Or, you can just place your copyright signature on them.

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application. Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say: "The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration." Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Placing a copyright watermark on them is a good idea. You can get free software to do this at: http://www.lunerouge.org/spip/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=43