In a message dated 3/10/2006 11:28:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, bvelke@whollygenes.com writes: The result is a custom representation of the original work, one which reflects artistry and is not merely a "slavish copy." The modifications of the image (or "enhancments" as HeritageQuest calls them) go FAR beyond the minimal level of added originality that is required in order for reproductions of public domain material to be protected by copyright, according to Eastern America Trio Products v. Tang Electronic Corporation, among others. --- Bob- The case you refer to above involves photos of "common, industrial items" in a catalog which means that the photos were of "three dimensional objects" and the courts have been consistently clear as to the copyrightability of photos of three dimensional objects because lighting, composition, and other "creative" aspects come into play that are not present when you are photographing a two dimentional object such as a census film. Unless the "enhancement" of the two-dimentional images adds something, alters it, or transforms it in some "creative or original" manner--merely enhancing what was already there wouldn't make the faithful reproduction of the census images copyrightable--not without a court decision establishing this in case law--and if there has been such a precedent in case law I'm unaware of it. Joan