LICENSING
What is Licensing and Why is it Important?
In simple terms, image licensing is when you pay to have the rights to use an image. Usually, the set purpose, location, and duration of use is outlined in a licensing agreement.
To discuss what licensing is, it's important to understand copyright and usage terms.
Understanding Copyright
Photographer's images are their copyrighted works. It is a violation of copyright to use an image without consent of the photographer.
The Copyright Act recognises photographs as works protectable by law. Yep - people and organisations do get sued for violations of copyright. While small photographers aren't likely to sue - it's still important to respect them, do the right thing, and protect fellow artists. π«ΆπΌ
Understanding Usage
In the age of social media, there is often misunderstanding or lack of awareness. Some people think if an image is online, it's free for the taking, to use however you like. This is not true and we need to be respectful of copyright law and of people's work.
Other people think it's okay to post an image, as long as they credit the photographer. This is generally fine to do, as long as the use is only personal/organic, and not promoting anything (otherwise this would count as "commercial use").
For example: if your photo was taken at an event, and you then post this photo to your social media profile: If there is a watermark present on the image and/or you credit the photographer, most photographers are okay with this. In fact, a lot of photographers, like myself, are happy to see their work being enjoyed, and it's great feedback to see which kind of images are re-shared (as we are notified when you tag us - please tag us!π)
However, if you post the photo, there is no watermark, and you do not mention/credit the photographer, this is a violation of copyright.
Another example: if you're a musician, MC, DJ etc. and your photo was taken at an event, then you then use this image to promote a different event (at which you're being paid), then this classes as "commercial use" and is not permitted without a license.
Licensing
Licensing is a way for people to get permission to use an image, often paying a fee to do so. Why should you opt for licensing and paying a fee?
- It acknowledges and respects the work (time, skill, equipment, artistic vision etc) of the photographer.
- It allows you to use the image commercially.
- It ensures you're doing the correct thing and abiding copyright laws.
- It supports the art and the artist to keep existing!
- You can receive a higher resolution / larger image without a watermark - i.e. higher quality than the version you'd find online.
Important things to note:
When purchasing an image, you're not buying the photo outright, you're not paying to "own" it, you are purchasing the right to use it in a specific way. The ownership and copyright always stays with the photographer.
The license doesn't permit you to use image in any way you like, it will outline the permitted uses. It is standard for photos to be licensed for editorial, commercial and advertising use, as well as certain personal uses (such as wall art). This applies to online and real-world uses including social media, websites, and print (posters, flyers).
My Licensing Fees & Terms
Pricing
CATEGORY 1: For small/community-based organisations, individuals, or sole traders:
Single Photo - £30 / €35
3x Photos - £70 / €80 (save £20)
5x Photos - £110 / €130 (save £40)
10x Photos - £180 / €210 (save £120)
* All inclusive of VAT.
CATEGORY 2: For press/media and corporate:
Dependent on exact use, placement, size etc. Please contact me to discuss.
Licensing Terms
Licensing terms will be the same - standardised for all Category 1 use.
What You Receive
After emailing me with a licensing request, I will respond with the licensing terms and payment details. After receiving payment and your written agreement, I will send you the image/s:
- Digital transfer of the image file/s, without watermark.
- Size: 6000β×β4000
- Resolution: 350x350
- 48-hour turn-around time, unless otherwise requested.
License Permissions
- 5 years of image use.
- Worldwide use. (Not limited to a geographical location).
- Permitted for commercial or personal use.
- Any promotional purposes should be to the sole benefit of the license holder only. (E.g. "Festival X" purchases license. License is valid for the festival to promote themselves or the teachers/people at their event. Not valid for an individual (e.g. a Teacher or DJ) at that event to promote their presence at another event. That individual needs to purchase their own license).
- Usage examples: on websites, use in portfolios (physical or digital), event promotion (posters, social media event page banners & posts, printed flyers)
Please note: Licensing is non-exclusive, meaning as the copyright holder, I have the right to license the same image to other parties.