Creative Rights

I am starting to think of my photography more and more seriously lately and in doing so I have actually become more and more frustrated. I sometimes feel as if my creative rights are forgotten and my talents in general are taken advantage of. Many people 'borrow' my photos from Facebook or other sites and it has always bothered me on some level, but recently it has really struck a nerve. There is only one person who ever credits my work (for which I am very grateful, just so you know) while others do nothing of the sort. In fact, some don't even ask, just right click and save image. I realize that in posting my images online I have lost protection of them, until the day I learn to limit right-clicking that is. I realize that when people are in photos, and they like the photo of themselves, they will want a copy of it. I completely understand that - and I am glad people like my photos of them. But, shouldn't some credit be given to me for taking a nice photo? I know the legal rights, I have taken courses on them and understand them for the most part, so the logistics of it are not in question on my part. Just because I understand the legal aspect of it, and just because I have a strong respect for others art, does not mean I will get such fair and just treatment in return.

In short, if you use an image of mine, wherever you got it from, please credit the work. If you are in the image, yes you have a right to have a copy of said image, but if you like it, if you think it is good, do you not think that perhaps a mention or a thank-you to the photographer would be polite? Perhaps I am being too sensitive, perhaps I need to just shut up, sit back and let others do what they want to do. Perhaps I am being too bitchy, perhaps I am asking too much. I know I am not thinking too highly of my skills, for I know I have a far way to go before I could ever do anything with them professionally - I have plans to better my skills but at the same time, I know I am no longer a beginner. I like to consider myself a serious amateur photographer and her way to becoming a serious professional photographer. Perhaps I need to wait until I have some sort of degree, diploma or certificate to request recognition for my work. Perhaps I should not post this, but as there are few people who read this - I will.