A Brief Guide to Professional Photo Etiquette & Restrictions

I love working with my clients and models before, during and after the photoshoots.  After the photoshoot, I dedicate hours post-processing the photos and put in a lot of creativity and time to provide my client, models or creative team with a quality collection of images. 

With that in mind, please remember that the photos that a photographer hands over to you are part of their life’s work. It has its name or branding so there are a few important etiquette and restrictions to note when it comes to the professional digital images that you will receive from me. 

1)  Copyright. The digital images that I provide you with have a copyright, which means the photographer has the option to use those photos to market their work and services anytime in the future. I am, however, also respectful of my clients/models so if there are any images that you would prefer to keep private, it’s best to let me know about it ahead of time so that I can honor your wishes. 

 

2)  Image type.  The original digital files or raw files are my negatives and I cannot give them away.  All images given to my client or model have been carefully edited for optimal results. If you do require further touch-ups I would need to provide you with a quote. Please review my fees page. If it is a collaboration or a test shoot, let's discuss further the additional retouches.

 

3)  Image altering. While I appreciate your business and welcome the sharing of my photos on social media platforms, I ask that the images not be altered in any way as this is against my copyright policies.

What constitutes image altering?

• Adding filters or editing photos in Photoshop or in any other photo editing software.
• Removing my logo or studio name.
• Color correcting or including transitions from color to black and white.
• Clipping people or objects out of the original shot.

So why do I have this as a restriction? My photos are a representation of my work so when a customer or model alters an image it directly impacts my name and brand in the industry. When I present you with final images, they have already been through a thorough editing process and don’t require further alterations.  When images are altered, the results are not always reflective of my original work and can then be mistaken for mine. I greatly appreciate your loyalty and cooperation in this matter.

I am always happy to give a quote if you want images to be edited in a specific way or if you want further alterations or derivatives made of your photos.