In this accessible and entertaining book, expert Nancy E. Wolff explains copyright, trademark, contracts, and privacy. Real-world examples of cases, laws, and news items torn from today’s headlines illustrate the most urgent legal situations faced by photographers: requirements, limits, and enforcement of copyright and trademark; fair use and public domain; first amendment considerations; the law of privacy and publicity; and many more issues. Detailed information on drafting contracts and licensing agreements is included. The imprimatur of the Picture Archive Council of America assures readers that the information is comprehensive and up to the minute. The Professional Photographer’s Legal Handbook is an essential tool for everyone who works in photography—and everyone who wants to.

Fully revised and updated to reflect current trends and changes in professional practice, this book features 34 fully reproducible forms (on a Mac and PC compatible CD-ROM) which photographers everywhere will find invaluable. Each form is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, advice, and much more.

Photographers who do not understand their basic rights tend to approach legal issues with blissful ignorance, extreme caution, or reckless abandon. Foolish souls may cross the lines to obtain images, while overly cautious photographers may miss out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in fear of legal repercussions. In the end, each of these photographers suffers as a result of not understanding the legal issues associated with photography. In this book, intellectual property attorney and photographers-rights advocate Bert Krages spells out exactly what you need to know to protect yourself and your business when planning, shooting, publishing, and selling your photography. -- Bert P. Krages

"Includes: how laws about photography are made on a local, state and national basis; the enforcement of laws, both criminally and civilly; photography in public and private places; privacy issues; understanding restrictions on subject matter, such as copyrighted material, currency and military installations; lawful and unlawful seizures of your film and equipment; establishing your personal ethics as a photographer." - back cover.

This guide provides insights into the legal concerns that face professional photographers. Collecting unpaid debts, securing retainers, and constructing payment terms are addressed with a focus on the difficulties that are often associated with managing a photography business. Twenty-five sample forms are provided, including model and property release forms, as well as estimates and invoices easily duplicated for use in business. Advice is also provided for copyrighting images, safely conducting a portrait session with a minor, and submitting fine art images to galleries.

"The purpose of this book remains the same-to provide practical advice to photographers about the parameters of the law"--