We need to talk about something that might sound a bit legal-ese, but stick with me — I promise to keep it entertaining. It’s all about copyright and your photos.
Whether it’s your wedding day, a newborn snuggle session, a family shoot in the park, or even headshots for your business — one big question often pops up afterwards:
👉 “Do I own the photos?”
The short answer? No.
The longer answer? Let’s break it down.
Copyright 101 (UK Edition)
Under UK copyright law (Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, for the fellow geeks), the person who creates the photo — aka the photographer — automatically owns the copyright the moment the shutter clicks.
That means:
You own the memories.
I own the rights to the photos.
Think of it like writing a book. You can buy a copy of Harry Potter and love it forever, but you don’t get to reprint it, sell it, or scribble your name on the cover and call it your own.
So What Can You Do With Your Photos?
When you book a shoot with me, you’re buying a licence to use the images. That means you can:
✔ Print them, frame them, and plaster them all over your home.
✔ Share them with family and friends (go wild on WhatsApp).
✔ Post them on your socials (please do — and tag me if you can).
But you can’t:
✖ Sell them to a magazine (unless we agree first).
✖ Hand them to another business to use in their advertising.
✖ Edit them beyond recognition (hello, neon Instagram filters).
Weddings, Families & Babies
I get it — these moments are yours. You’ve paid for the session, so it feels natural to think you “own” the images. But what you’ve really bought is the right to enjoy them — not to commercially repurpose them.
For example:
Your wedding venue can share my photos if you (the couple) give them a copy — but they should credit the photographer.
If your Auntie Mabel crops my watermark out and slaps the photo on her knitting business flyer? Naughty.
Commercial Clients
If we’re shooting for your business, you’ll usually get a licence that allows commercial use. That’s what you’re paying for! But even then, the copyright stays with me unless I specifically sign it over.
Venues, Suppliers & Third Parties
Here’s the biggie. Wedding venues, florists, cake makers — I love working with you all. But if you want to use my images for your website, brochures, or socials, you need permission and a credit.
Tagging isn’t just courtesy — it’s law-adjacent good manners. Plus, it helps everyone: couples find their dream vendors, and businesses build their networks.
Why Does This Matter?
Because photography is art. It’s my work, my time, my kit, my editing, and my creative eye. Copyright protects that.
And because giving credit is free. Literally takes two seconds. And it makes us photographers do a happy dance. 💃
Final Word (Promise)
Next time you share your gorgeous photos online, remember:
You own the memories.
I own the copyright.
And together, we get to share the magic — fairly, legally, and beautifully.
So tag your photographer. Always. End of sermon. 🙏
