copywrite for photos/illustrations

[stev...@hotmail.com]

Hello: I need some comments on what the copywrites on photos as well as
illustrations mean.

Here is a scenario: Say I am interested in writing a non fiction book on
automobile tail lights. I go through all the literature, old catalogs, etc.
I take photos of the tail lights onthe cars I find out in the parking lots,
etc. Now for the older cars, I need to find photos of the antique cars which
may no longer exist. I can fin photos of the cars with these lights on in
books. Here is the question: What is the definition of the copywrite on the
photo? One can crop out the tail light from the photo, as well as do things
with resising, color, backgrounds, etc. It is no problem in asking to use the
photo if one can find the person claiming the photo, but what if he or she is
dead? The name could be used to credit this person, but what protection is
there from a lawsuit? In a non fiction work, objects of scientific interest
would in cases be prevented from being illustrated if they no longer exist.
Does a copywrite photo have to say that it is copywrited on the photo?

The other question has to do with catalogs with illustrations. Suppose that
in the above example there were illustrations of he design of the tail lights
which would be beneficial to explaining the development of tail lights.
These lights are no longer in use or manufactured. Is it considered
permissible to use these illustrations in a book, giving the name of the
catalog, etc.? To what extent would one not be involved with a copywrite?
redraw, trace, resize, recolor?

Any comments would be appreciated. I am considering writing a technical
book, but without content it certainly wouldn't reveal anything.

Thank you.
Steve

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[stev...@hotmail.com]

Hello:
Here is a scenario along these lines:

You could take the instance of a person taking a photo of a UFO. This person
may decide to write a book and use this photo.

A second person writing a book on UFOs would like to illustrate the UFO
sightings of the world. Does the first have exclusive use of this photo?

Granted the defense department would not see it that way. If the second
person lists the photo as being a credit to the first, would this seem to
satisfy it?

If the first person said "NO" to the use of the photo, would that inhibit the
spread of knowledge?

What I'm referring to are situations that relate to websites or books where
certain objects or situations are caught in a context of the date or era, and
there is no way to get around not using the illustrations without detracting
from the what the author of a website or book is trying to say.

If anyone has any ideas on how one can do anything in the area of websites or
book writing without spending a fortune trying to track down a photographer,
his or her heirs, etc., it would be most welcome.

I don't see any problem with giving a credit to any information used.

In the area of the websites, I suppose if someone complains, the website will
pull the photos.

There is the concept of commercial and non-commercial use of photos and
illustrations. There are websites for information only. Now, if the website
owner decides to put this non-commercial site in book form, all sorts of
problems may come up because money will be exchanged. I have heard that some
photographers want royalties on any photos used. It's obvious that printing
costs are involved. Is there a nominal profit which would make the book fall
into a catagory where it would not be looked upon as a windfall?

Another question involves photos which have been purchased at a flea market
or fair with no statement of a copywrite on them. Is it alright to use these
photos?

Thanks for any information on this.