Copy Rights question

[Tom Cullen]

The newly issued official picture of president Obama, is that copy right protected? you know ...the one you see in VFW halls and the like. If it is , can I cut him out of the background and add him to a colage ? would that void the copy right?

[jeff begin]

No, all works by the US federal government are considered public domain. You're free to use it.

One of the most amazing pictures I've ever seen was snapped by a fire specialist working for the US Forest Service. Odds are he would have made a good amount of money by licensing it, but he was a federal employee on the job, so that picture too is considered public domain: http://www.geocities.com/everwild7/montana.html

(Finally! A SMC question that I can answer rather than ask.)

[Tom Cullen]

Thanks Jeff.....WOW! that is some photo.

Tom

[Bill Cunningham]

MMmmmm Roast Elk!!!

[Bill Petersen]

That is an absolutely amazing photo. What a shame it's not hi-res.
Bill