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
Timeless Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:56
I have been trying to count the number of guests I’ve had on this show that mentioned Scott Kelby, and each time I lose count. Seemingly everyone I know, and most of those I don’t know, have learned something from Scott.…
Canon EOS R5 Silent Shutter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
The odds are that you’ve seen Simon Bruty’s work before, but on the odd chance you haven’t let me help you understand what you’ve missed. When discussing the best sports photography today, Simon is one of those photograp…
Nautical Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
I grew up spending a lot of time in Newport, Rhode Island, home of the America’s Cup on twelve occasions between 1930 and 1983. I have great memories of visiting there, and seeing first hand the pride they had on having…
Elevate Your Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
I normally start these posts with some lofty statement about my guest’s accomplishments, or some other overly deep setup. Not today. Today may be the easiest opening I have ever written… Vanessa Joy is a joy to work with…
All Things Gear Rental [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:40
Editors Note: This show is not a paid advertisement. I have received no compensation from any third party company involved, and everything I say in the show is my own opinion. I am so excited to welcome the founder of Le…
Talking Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:08
It’s rare that I have a guest on Behind the Shot that has redefined their genre of photography, but Peter Hurley is one of those guests. Headshot photography has existed for a long time. I remember driving around L.A. ye…
The Big Cat People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:58
On occasion I have a guest on Behind the Shot I find hard to describe. With SanDisk Extreme Team members Jonathan and Angela Scott that is not the case. In fact I have so much I want to say that I’m worried I will end up…
Sammonisms – Speed-Learning Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
I find myself quoting Rick Sammon often, very often. Rick has these little sayings he uses, and he even has a name for them… Sammonisims. When I found out that he had a new class about these sayings over at KelbyOne I kn…
Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Charles Glatzer is one of the top wildlife photographers working today, and that says a lot. There are so many great wildlife photographers out there, but on a rare occasion you meet someone that rises above the rest, so…
Photography Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
A photographer whose publication credits include National Geographic Books, Time, Life Magazine, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon, Sierra Club, and Disney is someone I want to learn from, and in this case, that’s Ad…