Mongo agrees with Redgum's comments - a lot of reasonable and experienced advice.

Photography and the future of that for any of us is really a gamble. A bird in the hand etc.........seems a better approach at least in the beginning. Also, having the copyright is all very well but try protecting it if someone tires to use your work without your permission. The praticality of that will soon overtake the theoreticals of enforcing ownership. Sell them the copyright and let them worry about that in future. Besides, if you get really well known and in demand in the future, you could change the way you operate i.e. begin keeping your copyright for your future work. By then, you will be better known and better able to protect your copyright if you have to.

Lastly, a word about contracts generally. It is amazing how many people think that whatever is plonked down if front of you as "the contract" is what you have to agree to and sign - RUBBISH ! Everything is subject to negotiation. If it does not say what you agee to, then do not sign it ! end of story.

good luck whatever you decide.