New Braunfels Studio Photographer / Pro Tips / Image Licensing: Personal vs. Commercial Use

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

From the moment I create an image with my camera, it’s copyrighted. This means that I, the photographer/creator, have exclusive ownership of said image and granted by Federal Law the right to copy, edit, and distribute by sale or transfer the image as I see fit. I do not and will never grant full copyright releases to clients and/or businesses, because if I do, I’ll no longer own the image or be able to use it without the consent of the new owner. Simply put, I love my creations too much to relinquish ownership indefinitely.

I do, however, grant Personal Use Releases and Limited Commercial Use Licenses to my clients. 

I. PERSONAL USE RELEASE

When my clients make a digital image purchase, I grant them a Personal Use Release. Also known as a Personal Print Release, this gives my clients permission to post, print, and display the images for personal/non-commercial use only. Clients cannot make any other use of the images without my prior written consent, including but not limited to use of the images for commercial purposes. For most clients, a Personal Use Release is more than sufficient as it allows them to print however they choose and post their images on social media. This release is complimentary and does not expire; all I ask is that clients kindly tag/credit me as the photographer. 

With a Personal Use Release clients MAY: 

• Print the images at a printer of choice in any format (canvas, album, gift print etc.) 
• Post the images on their personal social media profiles (please tag/credit BPP) 

Clients MAY NOT: 

• Edit or alter the images in any way, including removing the BPP logo or use of social media filters.  
• Claim my images as your own. 
• Use the images for commercial gain such as selling, leasing, advertising or marketing.
• Sell, lease, or give the images to third parties (i.e. person, business, or entity).

II. LIMITED COMMERCIAL USE LICENSE

Some clients will need a Limited Commercial Use License, which grants them permission to use specific images for the purposes of marketing and advertising their business. Every image intended for commercial use requires a license and is valid for two (2) years from the date of purchase. This license is limited in that it does not grant any person, business, or entity other than the client (i.e purchaser) permission to use the images. Clients cannot sell, lease, or give the image(s) to third parties. 

With a Limited Commercial Use License clients MAY: 

• Print the images at a printer of choice in any format (canvas, album, gift print etc.) 
• Post the images on their business pages, profiles, and website (please tag/credit BPP) 
• Use specific images for commercial purposes such as marketing and advertising their business.

Clients MAY NOT: 

• Edit or alter the images in any way, including removing the BPP logo or use of social media filters. 
• Claim my images as your own. 
• Sell, lease, or give the images to third parties (i.e. person, business, or entity).