There's no doubt that it's easier to register your photographs before you publish them. But if you didn't get it done then, it's better late than never to register your published images. The good news is that it's more convenient and cheaper than ever to register your photographs after they have been published.

Pursuant to a recent change in copyright law, you now can register a group of published images on one form. The only requirements are that the photos must have been published in the same year, made by the same photographer and have the same copyright claimant. This should fit the profile of most photographers and their work.

Another beneficial change in the law is that group registration of published images currently requires only one "deposit" or copy of the image. Previously, you had to submit two of the actual published copies. Now you can register your published images on one form, with only one deposit, one application and one filing fee, as long as they meet the above requirements.

Specific instructions on how to prepare your registration forms for published photographs are available from the Picture Archive Council of America at http://www.pacaoffice.org/copyright.html in "The Importance of Copyright Registration"

You no longer have an excuse. Go to the dentist, change the oil in your car, and register your images, both unpublished and published. It's better late than never.

Take my advice; get professional help.

PhotoAttorney

Copyright 2005 Carolyn E. Wright All Rights Reserved

Carolyn Wright

Carolyn Wright is a professional photographer with an active wildlife photography business. Shooting for 25 years, her award-winning images have been used in books and corporate marketing materials. Her wildlife photos will be included in the upcoming book, "Captivating Wildlife - Images from the Top Ten Emerging Wildlife Photographers" by Scott Bourne and David Middleton. She also is working with Scott Bourne on "Wolfscapes," a photo book documenting the beauty and strength of wolves. Carolyn shares her love for photography with her enthusiasm for the law. Trained as a top-flight attorney, Carolyn's legal practice is aimed squarely at the needs for photographers. She understands the special issues that confront both professional and amateur photographers, and she regularly speaks and writes on the subject. Her book, "88 Secrets to the Law for Photographers," also co-written with Scott Bourne, is scheduled for release in fall 2005. On the faculty of Olympic Mountain School of Photography, Carolyn?s passion is enhanced when teaching photography. She enjoys writing and speaking on the subject, as well, and is a regular columnist for PhotoFocus, an online magazine for serious photographers. Carolyn is particularly tuned to the special interests of women in photography. She appreciates women's unique approach to the subject, and adapts her instruction accordingly. Armed with more than 20 years of general business experience and a Masters of Business Administration degree, she understands what is needed to succeed in male-dominated fields. This knowledge, combined with her training and experience as a teacher at all levels from grade school to graduate school, provides the strong foundation she uses to help others with their photography. Carolyn can be contacted at 2107 N. Decatur Rd. #117, Decatur, GA 30033 or by phone at 678.592.8025.