Identifying the Photographer and Licensing — Identifying the Photographer and Licensing

The author and initial copyright owner of a photograph is generally the person who takes the picture. This copyright protects the photographer's artistic choices, such as subject positioning, camera angle, and lighting.

A limited exception to this rule exists when a photograph is created as a work made for hire. Editors seeking to register or verify these works must submit a nonrefundable filing fee, which is subject to change.