What Usage Rights Should You Have From Your Photographer?
This is a very important topic, and because clients have different needs & uses for their photographs, I want to break down common terms and uses in the industry.
but first you might ask,
"Why do I need a license? Don't I own the photos if I paid for them?"
This is a great question and, I want to show you how we use licenses for people's work all the time. You know Netflix? Apple Music? Spotify? Those monthly subscription fees give people the ability to watch movies and listen to music in their own personal world. It doesn't mean they now own the movie or song, the original artist still does. Those subscriptions also don't allow people to make copies or profit from them.
Moving into the photography industry, U.S. Copyright Law states whoever takes the photograph, owns the image. Just like Netflix and Apple Music, we need licenses so people can legally use images within certain boundaries.
Common Terms to Know
Personal Print License
This is the most common license for lifestyle work with maternity, newborn, family, graduation, portrait, and wedding clients. It grants clients personal use of the images to post on their personal social media pages, print for family heirlooms, and etc... It does not grant commercial or editorial use.
Non-Exclusive
The client and photographer can use the images. The photographer may grant images rights to others.
Perpetual
Permission to use the images doesn't expire and isn't restricted by months or years.
Worldwide
Use of images isn't restricted to a country or market.
Editorial Use
Allows images to be used to inform or educate audiences. Think news stories, magazine articles, reports, text books, non-commercial blogs and essays, and documentaries.
Commercial/Marketing Use
This allows images to be used for commercial displays, websites, paid advertisements, corporate social medias, and marketing. Note: there are versions that allow for digital and/or physical print.
Work For Hire
Essentially the copyright & ownership transfers from the photographer to the client. This is considered buying out the images and has a significantly higher fee. This is more rare.
Before You Sign,
Make Sure You Have What You Need
Website Use
Confirms images can be displayed on current websites.
Social Media Use
Allows images to be shared on the organization's official social media page without asking for permission each time.
Press Distribution
Allows PR or communications teams to distribute images to media outlets.
Internal Communications
Confirms images to be used in employee communications, reports, presentations, company archives, etc...
Marketing & Future Promotion
Confirms if organizations can use images in specified ways in campaigns, event promotion, product packaging, etc...
Expiration/Limits
Restricts images from being displayed beyond a certain time or place.
Here's the Good Thing
Every client has different needs so the license & fee are scaleable.
a big takeaway
Having an agreement with clear terms protects everyone and is scaleable to the need
Hey! I'm based in southern california, and I specialize in
Making Brands Unforgettable
Whether you're a small business owner, an established brand, or an event planner looking to capture every moment, I specialize in creating high-quality, artistic, tailored visuals that help you stand out & bring results. From polished product and lifestyle images to dynamic event coverage, my photos tell your story and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
