The amount of excitement that flows through you when you finally get to see the portraits of your family is huge. What's even more exciting is when you finally get so show off those portraits to everyone else! Whether you have a beautiful new framed portrait on your wall or have a gallery full of digital files, showing your family and friends is on the top of your to-do list. Before you go posting those digital images onto social media, lets talk about some professional photography restrictions.
The photos that a photographer hands over to you are part of their life’s work. It has their name or branding so there are a few important restrictions to note when it comes to the professional digital images that you receive.
1) Copyright. The digital images that your photographer provides 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. We are however also respectful of our clients so if there are any images that you would prefer to keep private, it’s best to let us know about it ahead of time so that we can honor your wishes. If there is a particular moment I really want to showcase, I will ask to make sure they are 100% comfortable.
2) Image type. We aren’t able to provide you with the original files or raw images. Raw images are like the negatives in digital photography and just the starting point of a beautiful image. Like a film negative, digital images have to be developed. All the images given to my clients have been cropped and have been edited to create the best portriats possible. If you do require further touch ups I would be happy to provide you with a quote.
3) Image altering. While we appreciate your business and welcome the sharing of our photos on social media platforms, we ask that the images not be altered in any way as this is against our copyright policies.
What constitutes image altering?
• Adding filters or editing photos in Photoshop
• Removing our 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 we have this as a restriction? Our photos are a representation of our work so when a customer alters an image it directly impacts our name and brand in the industry.
When I present you with final images, they have already been through my 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 my art. I greatly appreciate your loyalty and cooperation in this matter it keeps my business on point and my body of work consistent.
If you have any other questions about professional photography restrictions, just let me know. My head is full of copyright information and I don't mind sharing it.
