“I really needs to be said? Monkeys are not people. They cannot own stuff.”
Correct.
“The copyright belongs to the photographer.”
Incorrect, or rather, inaccurate. Technically, there was no “photographer” for this photograph, as it was taken without human intervention. Therefore, it’s not possible to copyright it.
So, as a photographer, I do not own the copyright to any of the photos hat I make through remote triggers or timed shutters.
The photographer placed the camera in the position. It was his equipment and the image was made at his intent.
The argument made is just silly in an attempt to hijack his property rights.
I would beg to differ. The photograph was taken using the photographer’s equipment- therefore, it was a work for hire, therefore the photographer owns the copyright.