A Simple Guide:
Photo Copyright
Photography Copyrights | A Simple Guide.
Sylte Studios | Last updated February 2023.
Photographs are protected by copyright law—just like music, text, graphics, designs and artwork. This simple introduction to photographic copyright will help you understand which rights apply when using or purchasing images.
Use photographs according to your agreement. Any modification or additional use requires new permission. Two key aspects must be clear: scope of use and duration. Usage rights typically cover a specific purpose for 1 year.
1. What is a photograph?
A photograph is a visual representation created with a camera or other photographic technique—whether it's a digital file, paper print, RAW file, or negative.
2. Rights to photographs
The photographer automatically receives all rights to a photograph the moment it's taken. These rights are protected by copyright law. No one can use a photograph without the photographer's consent.
3. What are you buying?
When you purchase a photograph, you're buying a usage license. Always ensure you have a written agreement explaining how you can use the photograph. Keep this agreement with your image files. Without an agreement, the buyer must prove what usage rights were purchased.
4. Who owns the photograph?
The photographer owns the original photograph. You only own the copies you receive—whether digital files, paper copies, or other formats—along with the usage rights you've agreed upon.
5. Can you make new copies?
No, you cannot make new copies or transfer your usage rights to others without the photographer's consent—not even digitally.
6. Can you modify the photograph?
You cannot crop, retouch, modify, apply filters, or use artificial intelligence on the photograph without the photographer's explicit consent.
7. Should you credit the photographer?
Yes, the photographer's name must be clearly displayed when the image is used publicly.
8. Can you use photographs you find online?
No. Just because a photograph is available online doesn't mean it's free to use. You must have permission.
9. Reuse photos
Reuse: If you want to use the photograph in a different context than originally agreed upon, you must contact the photographer for a new agreement. This may involve additional fees.
10. How long is a photograph protected?
Copyright protection lasts throughout the photographer's lifetime plus 15 years after their death, with a minimum of 50 years after the photograph was taken. For photographs that qualify as artwork, protection extends to 70 years after the photographer's death.
When in doubt, always ask first!