As a photographer, you own the copyright to all your images taken for hire.

In Canada and the US, there is a doctrine of Fair use, which entitles others to republish your work, with credit, in fair use. These purposes include news, commentary, teaching, research, etc. The goal of "Fair Use" practices must benefit society.

Canada also allows anyone to use a published work to create a new work (through Bill c-11), such as a remix or a mashup, and to publish it in turn, on condition that this is done solely for non-commercial purposes and, in principle, that the source of the original work is credited.

As a photographer, if one of your images has been republished for commercial purpose, or is associated with add-revenue blog, document the discovery of the infringement by screenshots and photos. You are entitled to request a Cease and Desist. You are also able to invoice the website for their use. An acceptable bill for an unauthorized use is generally regarded as 3 times your regular licensing fee. If the company refuses to remove your image you may submit a DMCA takedown notice to their Internet service provider. 

If the company refuses to pay your bill you may take legal action against them. Unfortunately copyright infringement is the jurisdiction of the federal court and you would need to hire a lawyer to pursue a copyright infringement claim. However you may take another route and personally file in small claims up to $35,000 for the following (1) Punitive Damages to your brand (2) An accounting and payment of their add-revenue relating to the article (3) Costs and Expenses (court fees to be re-imbursed.) 

Good luck! Feel free to comment below with your own copyright infringement stories.

In 2018, 1 theme was clear... Women are strong. Partners are strong. Families are making strong choices for their births. Women are becoming more educated on birth options and asking for a birth plan that suits them. Then, more and more women are hiring birth photographers and filmmakers to capture their stories and strength. This is a strong group of images that perfectly represents all these Super Mama's and Families. 

It was another fabulous year for birth across Canada. Women are becoming educated about options available to them in the birth room and more families are choosing to hire professional birth photographers.  Likewise, more photographers are choosing to photograph births and are spreading inspiring birth stories in their cities and provinces.  Popular trends in birthing rooms this year have included dad's catching their babies, more family centered cesareans that encourage immediate skin-to-skin in the OR and the use of clear drapes so mom's can see their baby's birth.  Enjoy looking through this collection of images that show us just how incredible the birth journey is. 
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Canadian Birth Photographers currently lists 120 photographers that specialize in capturing birth stories through photos and film. Find a birth photographer near you by clicking here.