Copyright – What is it and why?
The copyright laws cover different types of works, images generated by various techniques, music and lyrics. Copyright is an attempt to balance the rights and responsibilities of artist and user. Including photographers. When a photographer and copyright holder is protected under the copyright law is it because the artist has an interest in developing the art and offer the customers unique quality products. This interest fades logically, if one was not guaranteed payment for the resources that is put in the development of the products.
Everyone that takes a picture - even with the mobile phone – has the copyright for the image 70 years after the death of the artist. Photographers who make a "work" that is an image and work creatively with control of light and composition etc., has copyright 70 years after their death.
This means that only the photographer has the right to make the copies produced and take reasonable commercial payment. At the same time the model is protected of their own copyright
As with patent or trademark protection, protects artists - including photographers – they are protected against others copying and printing. This makes it possible to earn a living as a photographer, writer, musician etc.
Compared with another industry: If you as a guest in a recognized restaurant includes a random wine, one cannot be sure of a complete experience. The same goes for the experience of being at the photographer. If you make copies or prints at home or in a copy shop on the internet the photographer and copyright owner are not paid for the effort and time put into it. Furthermore, an artist like to have control through the whole process from photographing to the final product. This is to ensure that the costumer gets the quality that is deserved and to ensure that the photographers name is not attached to some low quality prints.
If you hire a high-end photographer, you should not live with pour quality prints.
The fabrication of the pictures is a comprehensive package that the photographer stands for, and a necessary part of the business concept to ensure survival of the business and that the costumer gets the best service and quality.