No, a copyright exists for every single photo ever taken. It is held by the person who depressed the shutter (takes the picture). The copyright is created when the image transfers medium. This language is from when film was used and is when the developed film is used to expose photo paper which is when the photo was transferred to a new medium. Nowadays with digital it is when the picture is taken. A copyright does not have to be applied for, you are thinking of a trademark. Maybe you should read up on the law before making false statements.