Licensing for Interiors + Architecture Photographers

Many of those who know me and have worked with me or alongside me know that I am almost as passionate about the business aspect of what I do, as I am the creative side. I try to constantly educate and inform those in the architecture and design community about what goes into creating photographs and the importance of copyright and licensing. As a photographer, from the moment I press the shutter, I am the owner of the images I create. Whether the image is of a person, of a certain place or structure, no matter what, I own the photographs I take. It is a fundamental part of copyright law. Photographs are a very specific representation of a particular subject. Without the photographer's eye, use of equipment, attention to detail and experience with lighting, you probably would not have that specific representation otherwise. 

Unfortunately, this can be difficult to understand for those creating beautiful architecture and design and that being the subject of said photographs. This is also why I find it truly important to work in a collaborative manner with my clients to achieve the best results of documenting and capturing their work. 

After an image is created, I typically then grant usage to the designer or architect of the image - for their portfolio, marketing, social media, publication - whatever. But they still do not OWN the image. This means I could potentially also grant usage to someone else too. For example, if I shoot a beautiful kitchen, and grant usage to the architect, I could also grant usage to the cabinet maker to use for their marketing too. And, then maybe the tile maker, the sink and faucet manufacturer and many more. And this, right here, is how photographers make a living. When my clients want to share images with other vendors or suppliers without my consent, and without compensation from the other party, I am losing income. I am always happy to work with my clients to find ways to allow sharing the images of their beautiful projects with others who have participated or may want to also use the images for their benefit. This involves things like cost sharing which is a wonderful way to save a big chunk of money on a photoshoot for all involved.

I will end here, but if you are unfamiliar with copyright and licensing, my colleague Matthew Anderson has created a wonderful educational video on the subject. I urge you to watch and learn a little bit about the business of interiors and architecture photography!