INTRODUCTION

The South African Copyright Law 1978, with amendments, discriminates against photographers working to a commission. Unlike nearly all others involved in creative processes, photographers are denied initial copyright ownership of the images they create. This right has to be negotiated and, in practice, is rarely obtained. As a result, photographers do not have any control over the use of their images unless a prior agreement can be made with clients.

Outside South Africa, photographers are generally the copyright owners of their own work. This allows them to negotiate appropriate compensation for the usages of their pictures.

Recently, we have seen industry directives and recommendations, notably from the AAA, AOM, MPASA, ad agencies and large media groups seeking to remove all vestige of copyright control from photographers.
The point has been reached whereby a concerted challenge has to be mounted to bring South African law and copyright practices into line with international norms.
We believe that all photographers in South Africa stand to benefit considerably if we are successful.

The C21 Association

has been formed to act as a rallying organisation for all concerned photographers in mounting this challenge.

This site contains:

• Q & A leading to a greater understanding of the South African Copyright Law,
• Discussions on how contracts work for and against photographers,
• Usage / Licensing issues,
• Downloads of the Copyright Act 1978, sample contracts, licensing agreements with rates,
• Access to an advice network on copyright issues.

Please contact us if you think we can improve any area on this site.