copyrighted image issue

Photos are automatically copyrighted by the photographer. That applies if they are taking hobby shots, shots for pay or any other reason. Every photo is copyrighted. Some photos have been granted a release to be used for specific purposes, or may be released for general use, but you would see a statement about that release.

A few things: 1. Do not assume an image is anything but copyright. It's unlikely that anything ever published doesn't have a copyright pedigree. 2.Current international law is that anything in "tangible form", like an image, or something visible, is in tangible form. 3. US Copyright office has some links on copyright basics, well worth a look. 4. Use of copyright material relates largely to whether you intend to make commercial use of the material. Private use means reasonable personal use, excluding copying or reselling. Your friends, by sending you an email, probably haven't breached the copyright. Some nitpickers might make a court case out of exceptions, but in terms of reasonable use, what are they supposed to do with it, lock it in a safe? 5. Be careful of "copyright-free" claims. Sorry, but somebody, at some point, DID own the copyright. Respond if you have any further questions.