Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA) (H.R. 10843)  was sent to the Senate judiciary committee on Oct. 19 in a bi partisan bill to protect and make it easier to register the copyright! Photographers are professionals with a skillset and equipment. We create art and it should be not be stolen. This is why photographers watermark their images and include copyright information in the meta data in addition to working with contracts that explain rights to the photographs we create.

The text below is copied straight from the PPA article on this new law on Oct. 28, 2026.

"VACRA is the most significant modernization of copyright registration for visual artists in decades. It addresses longstanding barriers that have kept the vast majority of professional photographers from registering their work.

Key provisions include: 1. Allowing group registration of up to 3,000 photographs in a single application and fee, without regard to publication status or creation dates

2. Creating a deferred examination option so registration becomes effective upon submission at a reduced cost

3. Shifting to electronic deposits through an API and eliminating the best-edition physical deposit requirement for pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works

4.Directing the Copyright Office to develop subscription-based fee models and a modern, metadata-friendly registration interface

5.Enabling certified third-party registries for photographs."

Thank you, Professional Photographers of America for working to strengthen the protection of the art visual artists to create.

We want to make our clients happy but clients but also need to make money in the process. It is illegal to alter a printed or digital photo without the photographer's permission. Photographers most likely work with contracts. Please follow the specifications in the contract. Usage rights will be detailed in the contract. If you need clarification, please reach out to me so I can help you.