Whenever you sign a contract with a photographer, it likely will include a section that outlines the ways you are allowed to use the images once you have them. So for example, it’s very common for family portrait or wedding photography contracts to have a personal use license which means you can share them online with family or make prints for yourself but you cannot use the images to advertise a business and you cannot sell them to a publication.

For my Brand Photography clients, I offer a commercial use license. I wanted to briefly go over what is included in that license so you understand how useful these images can be to you in advertising for your business.

What is Allowed?

Use to Advertise your Business

Unlike family portraits or wedding photography, a brand photography session is specifically to produce images you can use to advertise your business, so OF COURSE you can use your images commercially. You can use the images on social media, on your website, in print marketing … you get the idea! If it helps you promote your business, it’s probably ok!

Editing

I understand that you’ve established a brand aesthetic and it’s important that these images fit within that aesthetic. So for that reason you’re allowed to edit your images. You can add a Lightroom preset or filter that you already use on your other images or just do your own editing in Lightroom, Photoshop or whatever app you are comfortable using.

Derivative Works

You can also create derivative works from your photos. You can add text or graphics over top of your images or you can add your images to other graphics you are creating. I want you to be able to use the images in whatever way is useful for your business.

Sub-licensing

You can sub-license your images to external organizations or businesses in three scenarios.

Joint Marketing

You can use your images to communicate that you are entering into some sort of joint marketing or affiliate advertising opportunity, as can the other organization/business you are working with. We’ve established this great consistency with your cohesive gallery and I wouldn’t want to disrupt that!

Live Event Appearance

You are welcome to send in your image to be used in any advertising regarding your appearance at a live event or speaking engagement.

Digital Platform Appearance

If you will be writing as a guest blogger or if you’re being interviewed in a youtube video or on a podcast, feel free to send your images to the other influencer/news outlet to advertise your upcoming appearance!

Use Without Crediting Photographer

Many photographers request that you credit them on social media any time you’re using one of your family portrait images or wedding images. But in this instance, I do not want to draw any attention away from your company by requiring credit any time you use an image online. If you’re spending money on a facebook ad and then are required to link to my photography business, then that means you’re paying to advertise for my business as well. In my opinion, that isn’t fair. So feel free to use your images without crediting Dawn Aiello Photography.

What is Not Allowed?

While there are plenty of ways you can use your photos under my commercial use license, there are a few things that are not allowed that I wanted to quickly point out. You are not able to use your photos in connection with any illegal activity and you are not allowed to sell them to any third parties.

Commercial Use License: What it Means for You and your Brand Photos