Have question about copy rights

[gail]

How do I go about doing a copy right on my photos. So that someone can't take them and have them printed? I have a friend I did pictures for and all she wanted to order is 4x6 prints. So I'm thinking she just wanted that size so she can get them made to the size she wants with by having the 4x6 to print from. So I'm new to this and don't know what to do. in order to keep someone from making copies of my photos.

I know you can put the © symbol on the front lower bottom of the photo which most people don't want that on front of there pictures.
I do sometimes do © 2005 by Gail on some of my pictures but most don't want that on them.
and I thought of the sticker on the back but can't they just peel that off?

[pxl8]

I'm from the UK so the laws might be a bit different. But in general you have copyright by default. I guess you could include a letter with the photos stating that they cannot be reproduced without permission, etc. and draw their attention to it.

You can get stickers that can't be removed easily and will damage what's underneath if you try. But then you are relying on the lab do the enlargements reading and abiding by what the sticker says - I guess some would, others wouldn't. Of course it's no trouble to put another blank sticker over the top of that one.

The reality is people will get find a way round it. Perhaps a better approach would be to convince the customer to purchase your prints from a quality point of view?

[PhotosGuy]

So that someone can't take them and have them printed? You mean by scanning a print, Gail? You'll never be able to stop that from happening.
You could try writing on the back for just a few prints. Here I can have Costco print the © info on the back. Maybe your print source for lots of prints will do that, too.

[gail]

Thanks photoguy, Pxl8 for your replies. I will see if I can get the place where I have most of my prints ordered to put the © on the back of them. See maybe if that works for the clients to know that they are copyrighted.
But like you said I will never be able to stop them from scanning my prints.

But thanks for your help.

Smiles, Gail

[jfrancho]

Shutterfly also gives the option to print what you want on the back. The only other way is to put it right on the image itself, like in a bottom corner.