In article <548di2$pmv@newsstand.cit.cornell.edu>, d_ruether@hotmail.com says...

>Um, run, do not walk, to register your copyright on that photo! ;-)
>You have three months from the date of first unauthorized use to register
>the photo in order to sue for damages and legal costs, after which you can
>only collect reasonable use fee, which with the legal costs incurred
>in going after the use fee, may not be worth it. There is NO need to have
>written anything on the photo - but you will need good proof that it it
>was made by you (similar photos from the same shoot, or your name on the
>photo that they used, etc.). If you still have time to get the photo
>registered before the three months is up, I would call a good copyright
>attourney immediately.

Additional information originally provided by photos@interaccess.com:
(now: photos@xnet.com)

> The following is required to obtain a legally registered copyright for
> a photographer.
> 1. You must complete and file the: FORM VA, For a Work of the Visual
> Arts. (US Printing offic #: 1995-387-237/41)
> 2. A nonrefundable fee of $20US for filing fee is required with the
> application form.
> 3. Mail completed form and deposited material (copy of original if
> possible) TO: Register of Copyrights
> Library fo Congress
> Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
> 4. Allow 3-4 months for a return of the registered copy of your form.
> The form may be obtained by contacting your local postmaster.
> The form is pretty self-expanitory, but becareful to fill out all the
> required information.

BTW, you legally hold the copyright to your work as soon as you produce
it (and, as I understand it, it cannot be surrendered except by written
agreement, though if you are regularly employed as a photographer [not
contract work], your employer may own the rights to your work), but registration is required in order to sue for damages and legal costs.
Hope This Helps