You’ve Got Photos! Now What?
So, you hired a photographer (awesome choice, by the way), got some jaw-dropping images of your pup, and now you’re thinking… what’s next? Can you plaster them all over your walls, share them with the world, or get creative with some edits? Let’s break down the truth about what you can and can’t do with your images.
What Even Is Copyright?
Copyright is a way to protect artists, allowing them to do what they do! When you hire a photographer, you’re not buying the copyright (sorry!). What you’re actually getting is the right to use the images in specific ways.
The Big Question: What Can You Do with Your Photos?
Here’s the deal: with your shiny new images, you’ll usually get a personal usage license. Translation:
- Share them online (your dog deserves all the likes).
- Send them to grandma (she’ll cry happy tears).
- Use them as your phone or computer wallpaper.
But, there are some “no-no’s”:
-
No editing or cropping.
Sorry, Instagram filters and watermark-cropping rebels, this one’s off-limits. -
No printing social media files.
Those low-res files look cute on your phone but trust me—on your wall? Not so much. For printing, you’ll need the high-res versions (and yes, I’ll hook you up with a print release). -
No selling or commercial use.
Thinking of putting your dog’s photo on T-shirts or launching a merch empire? Love the ambition—but you’ll need a commercial license for that. -
No entering photo contests.
Want to show off your pooch’s star power in a contest? Snap your own pics for that—you’ll own those rights.
Why Does Copyright Even Matter?
Here’s the tea: photography isn’t just “point, click, done.” It’s years of practice, education, pricey equipment, and hours spent editing (with coffee breaks, obviously). Copyright protects photographers (hi, that’s me!) so our work isn’t used without permission. It’s what lets us keep creating beautiful memories for you—and the next dog mom or dad.
But I Paid You! Doesn’t That Mean I Own the Photos?
Nope! What you’re paying for is your products and the the rights to use the images on your computer, social media, and to send to friends and family and if you purchased high resolution images, the rights to print those.
Want to Do More with Your Photos?
Have big plans for your images? Need them for a business or other special project? Just ask! Chances are, we can work out a custom license or additional edits to make it happen.
I Still Don't Get it?
I know it's super confusing and I only covered the basics. I'll admit, I didn't know exactly how all this worked before I was a photographer and if someone tried to explain it to me, I would probably have been flabbergasted. If you'd like to read more, here's another blog post with more examples of what you can and cannot do with your images.
Your pup’s photos are meant to be enjoyed—let’s make sure they stay stunning and cherished for years to come! 😊
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