Who owns the rights to a photo – the photographer who took it or the person who had the photographer take it?

Who owns the rights to a photo – the photographer who took it or the person who had the photographer take it?

I’m working on a portfolio piece. I had a friend take the photos but now the friend is telling me that I can’t use the photos. I had organized and directed the shoot and all of the model release forms were in my name. Is it true that my photographer can decide that I can’t use any of these photos?

Asked on February 20, 2012 under Business Law, Arizona

Answers:

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