In article <515d3e$2a6@hptemp1.cc.umr.edu>, shawgo@saucer.cc.umr.edu says...

>Is there anything that needs to be done to have a copyright on a photo,
>or just declair one? I have seen photos like this before. I did not
>know if one had to apply for a copyright or is was just automatic. Thank
>you for your time.
>Ryan Shawgo
>shawgo@umr.edu

DO NOT TAKE THE FOLLOWING AS COMPETENT LEGAL ADVICE:
It is my understanding that in the US, the creator of any
photograph automatically holds the copyright, unless the work
is done as a part of regular employment (not contract work).
The copyright can ONLY be surrendered by written agreement.
BUT, if someone uses your work without an agreement from
you allowing them to use it, you must register the copyright
within three months of that use in order to be able to sue
for damages and court costs. Without the registration, you
can only sue for fair payment for the use(s), which may not
get you anything if you need to hire (and pay for) a lawyer.
You can start in small claims court, though, where no lawyer
is needed, but if you win, and your opponent chooses to
contest the judgement in a higher court, you are out of
luck unless you had registered the copyright in time.
Hope This Helps