LICENSING

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 are outlined in a licensing agreement.

To discuss what licensing is, it's important to understand copyright and usage terms.

Understanding Copyright

Photographers' images are their copyrighted works. It is a violation of copyright to use an image without the consent of the photographer.

The Copyright Act recognises photographs as works protectable by law. Yep - organisations and individuals do get sued for violations of copyright. (Some interesting examples of seemingly innocent use of photos on social media getting someone sued are Paulina Porizkova, Dua Lipa, and Bella Hadid).

While those are extreme cases, and small photographers aren't likely to sue - it's still important to respect them, do the right thing, and protect fellow artists. 🫶🏼

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").

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 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! It's great feedback to see which kind of images are re-shared (as we are notified when you tag us - please tag us!😊)

However, if you post the photo, there is no watermark, and you do not mention/credit the photographer, this is a violation of copyright. 

Generally speaking, if you're using a photographer's image to promote something for which you will be paid, that's commercial use, and you'll need licensing. Always best to check with the photographer.

Example: if you're a teacher, musician, MC, DJ etc. and your photo was taken at an event, then you use this image to promote a different event (at which you've been hired), then this classifies 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 photographer's work (time, skill, equipment, artistic vision, etc.).
• It allows you to use the image commercially.
• It ensures you're doing the right thing and abiding by 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 stay with the photographer. 

The license doesn't permit you to use the 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).

Pricing

CATEGORY 1: For small/community-based organisations, individuals, or sole traders:

Single Photo - £30 / €35

3x Photos - £60 / €70 (3 for the price of 2)

5x Photos - £100 / €115 (save £50 / €70)

10x Photos - £150 / €170 (save £150 / €180)

* All inclusive of VAT.

Please note - if you're a non-profit wishing to use a photo and the above pricing is a challenge, I value inclusivity and supporting good people/causes - please contact me to arrange licensing.

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 (via Stripe). After receiving payment and your written agreement, I will send you the image/s:

• Digital transfer of the image file/s, without watermark.
• Size: 6000 × 4000
• Resolution: 350x350
• 48-hour turnaround 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.