You don't need to be a professional photographer to take a
valuable photograph. A recent case demonstrates that all you need
is to be in the right place, and snap a photo at the right time and
the right angle. And, of course, register it promptly.
That was the recipe for success for Alex Cruz, who pulled out
his iPhone and took a photo when he noticed "a big
commotion" while walking through Brooklyn. Though he
didn't realize it immediately, he had taken a photo of a
suspected terrorist being apprehended by New York police. After a
friend posted it online, several news organizations approached
Cruz, licensed his photo and paid him for those rights.
One news organization, however, used the photo without his
permission and without payment. Possibly as a result of that, Cruz
registered his copyright in the photo. That timely registration
(within three months of first publication) meant that he could seek
statutory damages and attorneys' fees in infringement
litigation.
