>ekim wrote:

>> I am hoping that anyone who knows about professional photography and
>> the industry accepted norms for contracts and assignments could help me
>> with a problem.
>>
>> i am a serious amateur who mostly takes pictures because i get a kick out
>> of it. i like showing my work to other people as well. i've sold a few
>> images, ok enough background.
>>
>> i was asked by a geologist friend to be the photogapher for his research.
>> he is studying lake superior ice so this means i get to fly around over the
>> lake and attempt to capture the mind-blowing complexity of the ice and its
>> various forms.
>>
>> we've done four flights so far and i have been producing acceptable results
>> which have gotten better with each flight. the geologist is very happy with
>> them.
>>
>> ok,now the problem:
>>
>> i consider these my images! i am being paid nothing, he is providing the
>> film. i think of the images as mine and he can use any of them he wants
>> so long as i keep the originals. he sees it just the opposite. [...]

By US copyright law, the photos belong to the photographer (regardless
of any other circumstance other than a written contract assigning ownership
to someone else, or being a regular [as in, "steady paycheck"] employee as
a photographer). Who bought the film, supplied the camera, provided the
airplane, etc. is not relevant - you still own the rights to the photos,
if you made them.
Hope This Helps