We are all photographers and/or visual artists. We make a living creating and selling our artwork. In this digital age, it’s more and more difficult to display our work without having someone steal it or manipulate it (cropping, filtering, etc.). It’s so frustrating! It’s an ongoing battle of the consumer just not knowing better or understanding copyright law.

We are in a unique situation RIGHT NOW. PPA has been working hard to introduce new legislation making it possible for photographers (and all visual artists) to file through small claims court to recover lost revenue as a result of copyright infringement. Up to this point, it’s been very difficult and, frankly, usually not worth the time and expense, to attempt to recover our losses. This new legislation could change that dramatically. This excites me, and it should excite you as well. If this bill passes, I foresee the public hearing more and more about this as small claims are made and won. This will be a way for US to protect ourselves and our careers.

To get this law passed on Capitol Hill, though, is going to take a few steps from EVERY. SINGLE. ARTIST. We all need to come together to support this. PPA is making it super easy for us to do this. You can use their system even if you’re not a PPA member:

1. Visit www.PPA.com/advocacy
2. Join the “Grassroots Action Team” – this means you’re signing up to get email updates on what’s happening with the bill as well as when it’s time to take the next step.
3. When we get to those important next steps, follow through by sending an email to your congress person.