Do I have to pay copyright to use the faces of stars?

Question

I want to make a little money on the side by making keychains with stars pictures. But do I have to pay copyright by using their faces?

Answer 1

Copyright automatically attaches to photographs once the photographer takes a picture.  To avoid infringement, you will likely need the photographer's permission (assuming the copyright hasn't been assigned) in order to use the photograph.  

Copyright refers only to the expressive work (i.e., the photograph).  It has nothing to do with the subject of the picture.  That is, you don't "pay copyright to use the faces of stars."  Instead, you'll likely be paying for a license to use the photograph.

Also, there may be other legal issues with using a celebrity's likeness, depending on the extent of your use. For example, certain uses of a celebrity likeness may run afoul of your state's right of publicity law.