As a general rule, the person who takes a photograph is considered to be the author and initial copyright owner of the image. This means that when you capture a photograph, you automatically become the copyright owner of that image. As the owner, you hold exclusive rights to reproduce the photograph, display the image in public, distribute the photo, and create derivatives of the image.
However, there are some limited exceptions to this rule. For example, if a photograph is created as a work made for hire, the employer or commissioning party may be considered the copyright owner. Additionally, if you take a photograph as part of your job or as part of a work-for-hire agreement, your employer may own the copyright unless your contract states otherwise. It's also worth noting that there may be other legal considerations that affect your ability to use or license a photograph, even if you are the copyright owner. For example, if a photograph depicts someone else's work or includes an image of a person, you may need to obtain permission from the relevant parties before using or distributing the image.