Photo Copyright Registration Workflow

Photo Copyright Registration Workflow

Author: Steve Brazill November 29, 2018 Duration: 37:38

I have had the pleasure of having The Copyright Zone guys on Behind the Shot twice now, each time I learn something new. The first time Ed Greenberg and Jack Reznicki were on, back in June of 2017, we chatted at length about Copyright for Photographers (here). It was a general conversation on things all photographers should have a better understanding of. The feedback I got back then was amazing, and I had Jack on right afterwards for a normal Behind the Shot show – that show is here.

In February of 2018 the U.S. Copyright office made some changes to how you register your photos, so once again the Copyright Zone guys came back to explain those changes, and a lot more. We discuss recent legal cases, process, and general copyright for photographers. That show aired in October of 2018 and can be seen here.

Following that latest show someone reached out to me on Twitter with a suggestion. Steve Carlson (@SteveCarlsonSF) wrote:

“Your recent episode with the Copyright Zone guys has reminded me that I’d still love to see a blog post from you that details your process for registering photos!”

Great idea Steve, I am not much of a blog post written, so I hope it’s ok if I did a video instead. Also… Steve is a great photographer too, so go follow him.

As you are watching this video please keep in mind that this is just how I do it. I am not saying it’s the right way, the best way, or how you should do it. I am sure there are areas I will refine overtime, but for now this works really well for me, and it’s easily repeatable.

I also want to take a second to thank Jack Reznicki. After recording this video I reached out Jack to ask him to “proof” it for me – I don’t know anyone else more qualified to tell me when I’m wrong. Jack had a few great suggestions for things to add, so I redid it. After Jack checked it again another one or two things showed up and I added those. Because of Jack I am feeling pretty good about the end result (until the internet gets to it that is).

Join me as I take you on a walkthrough of my Photo Copyright Registration Workflow on this episode of Behind the Shot. The links I mention during the show are all listed below for you too.

Connect with Steve

Personal: stevebrazill.com
Facebook: @SteveBrazillPhotography
Instagram: @SteveBrazill

U.S Copyright Office Links

Website: copyright.gov
Registration Portal: Registration Login
Photography: Photography Related Links

Application Previews:

Preview the Application for Group Registration of Unpublished Photographs
Preview the Application for Group Registration of Published Photographs

Application Templates:

Unpublished Photographs Title List Template
Published Photographs Title List Template

LR/Transporter Lightroom Plugin

Photographer’s Toolbox: LR/Transporter

Ed Greenberg & Jack’s Reznicki

Website: TheCopyrightZone.com
The Copyright Zone Book: Amazon


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Photography: Artified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
Karen Hutton is a photographer that is in demand, but on the chance you are not already familiar with her, let me introduce you… Karen is a Fine Art photographer that specializes in landscape, nature, and travel photogra…
Better B&W Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
In the time I have been doing photography there have been a few names I seem to have always been aware of, and one of those is Ron Clifford. When I receive an email from our mutual friend Rick Sammon introducing us, and…
Uncommon Grit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:12
For each episode of Behind the Shot I write a post with some information about my guest. I usually use a combination of the guest’s bio, along with pieces of info I gather through research, to try and give a bit of insig…
Capturing the Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
When I book a guest for Behind the Shot I usually have an idea on how I will describe them, but sometimes that is a bit more difficult. Let’s take today’s guest, Atiba Jefferson, for example. Atiba is perhaps best known…
Self Portrait Artistry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
One of the most enjoyable aspects of doing the Behind the Shot podcast is the wonderful artists I get to meet. All are photographers that I truly admire, and that I am inspired by. Hand-in-hand with that is the way that…
Toy Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:28
I had not heard of Mitchel Wu until my friends at Platypod mentioned him to me, and that surprised me. I don’t want that to happen to you, so I am introducing you to some of the most playful work you’ll ever see. His wor…
Advanced Lighting Techniques [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:37
I have known of Joel Grimes for as long as I have been involved with photography. Joel is one of those artists that can be described as a “master of their craft”, and that skill has earned him the rare designation as a C…
Photographing the Milky Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:36
I have met more photographers through Twitter than any other platform, and Jeff Harmon is one of those photographers. The wonderful part about Twitter to me is that I can reach out to people I might have never met before…
Pet Photos that Make a Splash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:10
www.samhaddixphotography.comwww.facebook.com/samhaddixphotography I will never forget the night I met Boston based pet photographer Kaylee Greer. It was at Photoshop World 2019 in Las Vegas, and the first night they had…
Lighting the Scottish Landscape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
Sharing your work online has never been easier, but so many sites take your beautiful images and compress them beyond recognition (I’m looking at you Facebook and Instagram). When Don Komarechka and I were looking at pla…