Selection doesn't matter in (U.S.) copyright, except as a factor in a compilation or derivative work, and then "does not imply any exclusive right in the preexi

Selection doesn't matter in (U.S.) copyright, except as a factor in a compilation or derivative work, and then "does not imply any exclusive right in the preexisting work." http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html (The photographer in this case gets full copyright for his creative selection of a set of photos - but not a copyright on the preexisting photos themselves). Note also that independent creation is not blocked by copyright, so you're free to select that same photo in your creative selecting. Artist stature doesn't determine copyrightability (though the $ and fame may help in the court case or pre-lawsuit posturing) U.S. copyright protects "original works of authorship" (generally described as the "creative expression") Not "selection", not "my idea", not "artist's right to control", not "effort", not "found art" - "creative expression" kb