Copyrights & Proper Image Usage

Below you will find copyright and proper image usage rights. Don't let any of this jargon scare you. This page is here to explain how usage rights & copyrights work. We run our business on truth trust and transparency. We want you to know what the laws are and proper image use. Please let us know if you have any questions or want clarification- as mentioned we are here to help and we want to be as clear as possible.​

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MUMBO JUMBO MEAN FOR YOU: Pretty much business as usual. The copyright simply means that as the creator, Gillian Hunter Photography, will always retain copyright ownership. You are allowed the right to print and post your images as you wish - according to the usage rights below. These are standard practices. Please let us know if you have any questions or if anything is unclear:) We are are here for you. 

DIGITAL FILE SOCIAL POSTING: Although it is not required it is MUCH APPRECIATED when you tag us on any social media post you make that includes an image we created. We like to share the love and be sure people who want to connect with us can:) We will of course tag you as well:) Let’s let the world know what we created together! We thank you in advance for being so AWESOME!  Facebook: @gillianhunterphotography Instagram: @gillianhunterphoto

WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE IMAGES: We keep them safe! We have a redundant back up system- ensuring the accessibility & safety of your images forever. We love to share the beautiful memories we create so we like to post 3-6 of our favorites from each portrait experience on our blog and social media platforms. (If you are a super private person and prefer we do not share your images- please connect with us and we will be happy to respect your privacy.) 

LEGAL STUFF - COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: As the creator of each image Gillian Hunter Photography will always retain the Copyright to every image created. Gillian Hunter Photography retains the unrestricted right to ethically use and publish images resulting from portrait experience for commercial, promotion, competition or other purposes such as, but not limited to, social media, print ads, brochures, stock, website, exhibits and other promotions. If you have concerns please connect with us- we are here to help:) Your Image usage rights are listed below.

If you had ANY Portrait Experience excluding a Branding, Event, & Retreat Portrait Experience these images are for personal use only. Meaning you can reproduce these images in print for personal use and/or post to social media for personal use. You may NOT use these images to promote your business or any other business. (If you are interested in using your images for your business- no problem- simply give us a call and we can give you a quote for upgrading your usage rights). 

If you had a Branding, Event, or Retreat Portrait Experience you are granted limited commercial rights. Meaning you can use these images on your website, to market your products, print ads, and on social media platforms to promote you and/or your products. These images may not be sold for profit.

If you had an Editorial Portrait Experience you are granted editorial usage rights. Meaning you can use this/these image/s in said publication. Gillian Hunter Photography will not post any of your editorial images publicly (social media) until after the publication has been released. 

You may not sell any image for profit. If you do, you will be in direct violation of Copyright Laws.

WHAT IS A COPYRIGHT: Copyright is a property right. Under the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, photographs are protected by copyright from the moment of creation.

A copyright is a legal device that gives the creator of a literary, artistic, musical, or other creative work the sole right to publish and sell that work. Copyright owners have the right to control the reproduction of their work, including the right to receive payment for that reproduction. An author may grant or sell those rights to others, including publishers or recording companies. Violation of a copyright is called infringement.

According to the U.S. Copyright Office, the owner of the “work” is the photographer. Even if a person hires a photographer to take pictures of a wedding, for example, the photographer will own the copyright in the photographs unless the copyright in the photographs is transferred, in writing and signed by the copyright owner, to another person. The subject of the photograph generally has nothing to do with the ownership of the copyright in the photograph. If the photographer is no longer living, the rights in the photograph are determined by the photographer’s will or passed as personal property by the applicable laws of intestate succession. (thelawtog.com)

AND THAT'S IT! THANKS FOR READING AND PLEASE CONNECT WITH QUESTIONS!