PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!! I have to address this subject because honestly most people (especially aspiring models) do not understand the copyright law pertaining to professional photographers. With that being said….here goes.
A photographer, by FEDERAL law, owns every picture that he or she takes. Period. Please understand that just because you pay for a photo shoot does NOT mean you own your images. When you pay a photographer for a photo session, you are only paying for their services. A photographer has the right to express how they want their images used and they can even exact a time frame on the usage of those images. For this very reason, you must understand a photographer’s terms BEFORE you step in front of the camera. Not all photographers operate the same so make certain you know exactly how you may use your images prior to your session.
Now, I know you might be thinking, “That’s unfair!”. Unfair or not, that’s the law. It’s no different than if you took pictures on a family vacation. By law, you own those images and by law you have the right to legally pursue anyone who uses your images without your permission. The same applies to professional photographers. If you use a photographer’s images without their permission or in any way that exceeds the boundaries of the agreement, you are breaking the law. It’s called copyright infringement.
The purpose of my blog is to help educate aspiring models. I posted a link below to better help you understand this post. Please read this article so that you know for yourself; don’t take my word for it. The biggest mistake that aspiring models make is not knowing how the industry works. Read. Ask questions. Do your own research. Know what you are getting into before you agree to any terms. I hope the link below helps!
