Copyright is the exclusive legal right, given to the originator and artistic creator of something (in this case, the Photographer) to sell, publish, print, market with, etc any image that is taken; and also gives the creator the right to authorize others to do the same.
There is a common misconception about release of Copyright and what people are often receiveing when they get printable Digital Files from a Photographer. It’s not often that a Photographer would actually give up or sell the Copyright to an image, because this essentially renders that image completely un-usable by that Photographer…. meaning they can’t have it in their portfolio, on their website, on business cards, on social media or anything else for that matter. Photographers book jobs by being able to show a Portfolio of images to a potential Client. Without any images to show, a Photographer would have no way to earn business.
“But the photo is of me so don’t I own the copyright?”. This would potentially be true if the Photographer were acting as an employee; however most Photographers are considered “Contractors” so this doesn’t apply.
What’s actually being given to Clients in most cases, is a limited license for personal use to re-print the images. This if you Photographer gives you this right, you can take your Digital Files and have them printed for personal use at your local lab, without having to get additional permission from the Photographer. Most usage rights also include digital and web use as well, but it’s important to clarify with your Photographer what exactly you are receiving and how you’re allowed to use the photos within the terms of your contract.
For most people, simply having the rights to use them in print or digital format covers what you are looking for, however if there is something further make sure to bring it up with your Photographer right away!
