Photo copyright

• Author from the moment of the shot

  Photo copyright arises automatically — no registration needed. RAW + metadata prove authorship.

• Client != owner

  Paying for a shoot doesn't transfer copyright — only usage rights defined by the contract.

• People in frame

  Shooting in public is legal; commercial use of a person's image needs their consent (a release).

• Stolen photos

  Steps: screenshot evidence → takedown demand → host/platform complaint → claim/lawsuit with damages.

The most common conflict: the client thinks 'paid = owner'. No: a paid shoot grants usage rights per contract; copyright stays with the photographer. Fix the scope of rights in writing before the shoot.