Copyright

I retain the copyright of the images for resale, but grant you complete usage rights to use the full high resolution imagery in whatever way you see fit, whether that be on your website, or in print in posters, leaflets, brochures etc.

Clients do need to seek my permission before making any alterations to the images in anyway, however clients are granted the right to crop the images in anyway they need.

For further details of copyright, right to a credit see full terms and conditions.

For further information on copyright and understanding it, please see the frequently asked questions and answers below...

These are all from the Association of Photography, and the complete article can be seen here.

What is copyright and who owns it?

Copyright is a right of authorship and a property right. It's also a Human Right under Article 27(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is an incentive for creativity and creates a balance between users and creators and between the public interest and freedom of access. It's what's called a monopolistic right as it's exclusive to the owner. It's a form of intellectual property (also known as 'IP') and it allows creators to make a living from what they produce. Authors of original works own the copyright in their work and this is enshrined in law – in the UK, it is wrapped up in a piece of legislation titled the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (or 'CDPA 88' for short). For more information on copyright ownership. 

The photographer (as the author of the image) owns the copyright in their photographs. In the same way that musicians control who can reproduce their music, photographers control who can reproduce their images.

Shops, hairdressers and pubs etc all need licences to play music - photographers issue licences to enable people to reproduce their images. This is why it is important that you discuss your commission and fully brief your photographer (or their agent), including details about where and how you would like to use the images.

The photographer will give you a licence that will reflect the agreed use - ie. on a website, in a brochure, etc., the length of time you wish to use the images for, and the geographical territories in which the images will be shown. The use of these images will be exclusive to you, unless agreed otherwise. This means that the photographer will not be able to allow any third-party to use the images you are using during the time they are licensed for your use, and possibly beyond, depending on what has been agreed.

Why don't I get the right to use the images wherever I want?

When a client insists on unlimited use of the images they have commissioned, this can be both an unnecessary and costly affair.

An unlimited licence includes every possible media use including billboards, videos, TV, CDs, t-shirts etc., for worldwide use for the term of copyright duration (70 years after the death of the photographer).

This type of unrestricted licence is unnecessary, it is highly unlikely that the vast extent of uses it includes would ever be taken up. If professional models are needed for the shoot, their fees will also reflect this unlimited use of the images. The price for this type of licence would be enormous and you would be paying for use you do not need.

What if I want to use the images for things I don't have a license for?

Should the commissioned work exceed your expectations and you want to extend the use of the images, you can easily negotiate this with the photographer (or their agent). Suggested guidelines as to how photographers charge for extra usage have been produced in tandem with commissioners of photography and are available in a calculator format. All photographers will negotiate extra use, whether they use our calculator or have a rate-card of their own.