Photograph Rights

Do you still have rights to your photographs if you put them on like facebook or myspace?????

Unless you accept an agreement where the agreement stipulates that any images used on that site become the property of the site and by accepting the terms you forfeit those rights, then no, just posting images anywhere doesn't not mean you lose the rights to your images. An image becomes intellectual property and is copyrighted the moment you capture the image. Hence forth it is yours unless you forfeit your rights to it.
Proving the image is yours can be another issue entirely which is why most professional photographers who sell their images file to have each image copyrighted for a price. It becomes legally binding which will hold up in a court of law.

When it comes to web communities, it is always best to read the fine print before you click on the "accept" box.

Ok cool Thanks! Yeah the reason I ask is I shot a few of my girlfriend's college field hockey games and put a few pics up on facebook for her and her friends. No problem until now I hear the Athletic director wants to put them on the athletic site. It just seems pricey to copyright photos.

I'm shooting with a Canon Rebel Xt so do you think if i have all the original EXIF data I'd be fine in proving they are mine in case they end up not asking me? I've never had this problem before because I usually am getting paid to do events

This is where you have to decide if you want to be a pro-dick, or a generous person. Only one pays the bills, but the likelihood that you are paying bills based on field hockey photography is probably very low. When the AD asked, I would have handed him a card and given him your rates. If he would pay for them he would have said no problem, or said he would have to consult the school board...etc. If he said, well we can't pay for them, and you believe him to be sincere, then what do you have to lose by saying sure, tell me what ones you want and I'll give you SOME to post on the school site. This way you get to put your (C) logo and photo by on each image and hand them to them. You do a good deed, will sleep well at night, and anyone who sees them and wants more, will know who to ask for.

Yeah my photography doesn't pay the bills. I just do it on the side for a little extra $$$. Plus it keeps me from getting bored at my girlfriend's field hockey games lol. The AD hasn't asked yet. I just heard they might want to use them because my girlfriend works in the athletic dpt. and it is a very small school (all womens school) with only like 3 buildings and 2 dorms so word travels fast. I looked around their website and saw they do sell the photos they put up on there so I definately don't want mine going up there if I don't get any $$$ from it.