Understanding Copyright

Copyright is a legal protection automatically granted to creators of original works, including photographs. It gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works. These rights are essential for safeguarding the creator’s livelihood and ensuring proper recognition and compensation for their work.

As a photographer, I retain the copyright to every image I create the moment the photo is taken. This ownership does not require registration; however, I take an additional step to ensure the utmost protection.

Copyright Ownership and Registration

Every photograph displayed on this website is exclusively owned by me. To further secure my rights and enable strong legal enforcement, I register every single image featured here with the US Copyright Office. This ensures that my work is protected against unauthorized use and misuse.

Strict Enforcement of Copyright

I take copyright infringement extremely seriously and have successfully taken legal action against numerous companies and individuals who have violated my rights. To monitor and protect my work, I use advanced software that operates 24/7 to search the web for unauthorized use of my images. Websites or entities found using my photos without permission will face immediate legal consequences, including lawsuits and claims for damages.

Usage Permissions and Restrictions

• Unauthorized Use:
  
  No image found on this website or my associated social media channels may be copied, downloaded, reproduced, altered, distributed, or used in any way without prior written permission from me. Unauthorized use of my images is a direct violation of copyright law and will be pursued legally.

• AI Training and Machine Learning:
  
  No individual, organization, or platform is permitted to use any of my images for training artificial intelligence (AI) software or machine learning models. Using copyrighted images for AI training purposes without explicit permission is considered copyright infringement and will be met with legal action.

• Purchased Artwork:
  
  When you purchase any of my fine art photography, you acquire a physical product for personal display purposes only. Purchasing the artwork does not grant you the right to reproduce, scan, copy, resell, or modify the image in any manner. If you are purchasing my art for your business, you are allowed to use the artwork for display purposes only.

• Licensing and Authorized Use:
  
  If you wish to use any of my images for editorial, commercial, or any other purpose, you must contact me to discuss terms and obtain a licensing agreement. Usage rights will only be granted upon mutual agreement and confirmation in writing.

Additional Notes on Copyright

• Digital and Social Media Sharing:
  
  Sharing my images is allowed with restrictions. Sharing my images on social media platforms or websites without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. This includes posting screenshots or cropped versions of my work. If you wish to share a post that features my work, please use the provided sharing tools from those platforms directly as they correctly site the original source, or contact me directly for guidance.

• Educational and Nonprofit Use:
  
  Even for educational or nonprofit purposes, my images may not be used without prior written consent. Good intentions do not exempt you from copyright laws.

Protecting My Work

The protection of my creative work is fundamental to ensuring the continuation of my art and business. Respecting copyright not only protects me as an artist but also upholds the integrity of the creative industry as a whole. By adhering to these policies, you help support artists and the preservation of original work.

Contact Information

If you have questions about copyright, licensing, or usage permissions, please contact me directly through the information provided on my Contact Page or you may email me at cp@christinapetersfineart.com. I am happy to discuss terms for legitimate use of my images or answer any concerns related to copyright.

Thank you for respecting my rights as an artist and supporting original art!