📾 Copyright Policy

Photography is widely considered to be a form of art, specifically a visual art.

When you hire me for real estate photography, you're purchasing a license to use the images specifically for marketing the property—on MLS, websites, social media, and print materials. The copyright—the legal ownership of the images—remains with me, the photographer.

To make this easy to understand, here are a few everyday examples:

  • Like a book: You can read and enjoy it, but you don’t own the story—the author does.

  • Like a song: You can listen to it, but not remix or sell it—it still belongs to the artist.

  • Like a restaurant dish: You paid for the meal, not the recipe—the chef retains ownership.

đŸ’Œ Who Owns the Copyright?

All images created by Wide and Bright are protected by copyright law and are owned solely and exclusively by me, the photographer. Even after you've purchased a photo session, I retain full copyright to all images, unless a written agreement states otherwise.

🔐 What You’re Licensing (a.k.a. What You Can Do)

When you book a photo shoot, you’re purchasing a license to use the images — not the images themselves. The standard license includes:

✅ Marketing the property online (MLS, social media, websites)
✅ Using images in print flyers, brochures, or signage
✅ Sharing the images on your real estate platforms

The license is:

  • Non-transferable – it can’t be shared with third parties (like stagers, designers, or contractors) without permission

  • Limited to the duration of the listing – once the property is sold, the license expires

  • For a single use – reuse for future listings or different purposes requires a new license

đŸš« What You Can’t Do

You can’t reuse the images for other listings

  • Licensing is typically per listing and non-transferable.

  • Even if the same house is re-listed later, a new license (or refresh shoot) is usually required.

You can’t sell, transfer, or give the photos to third parties

  • Includes builders, stagers, competing agents, magazines, or vendors unless your license explicitly allows it.

You can’t alter the images without consent

  • Edit, filter, or crop the photos or watermarks

You can’t claim ownership or authorship of the images

  • The agent may license usage, but you retain copyright.

  • They cannot watermark, rebrand, or resell the images as if they created them.

You can’t use the images after the license expires

  • Most real estate photo licenses are limited to the duration of the listing.

  • Continued use after the sale (especially for promotional or portfolio purposes) may require renewal or extended licensing.

đŸ‘„ Third-Party Usage ( builders, designer, or stagers)

If anyone else (like a home builder, designer, or stager) wants to use the images, they’ll need to purchase their own license. Just reach out, and we can easily arrange that!

Please don’t forward images to others for their own use unless you have my okay first.

đŸš« What You Can’t Do

Let’s keep things fair and respectful. Please don’t:

  • Sell or give the images to someone else

  • Use them to market your business (unless we’ve discussed a commercial license)

  • Edit, filter, or crop the photos or watermarks

  • Use images beyond the specific listing or time frame without renewing the license

⚖ Unauthorized Use

Using my photos without permission or beyond the agreed terms is a violation of copyright law. Unauthorized use may result in additional fees or legal action if needed. I’d much rather keep things friendly, so if you're unsure—just ask!

❀ Social Media and Photo Credit

Feel free to share your listing photos on social media! Tagging or crediting me @Wide_and_Bright is always appreciated, but not required.


Important Note for Builders, Stagers & Designers:

The license provided is for the listing agent’s marketing use only. If you’re a builder, interior designer, stager, or any third party looking to use the images for your own portfolio, social media, or promotional purposes, a separate usage license is required. Please contact me to discuss licensing options—we’re happy to collaborate.