}
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Using Your Client’s Photos
Having photos of the events we produce is extremely important for our future growth and marketing. Many (but not all) professional photographers are happy to share their images with event planners as long as they receive credit when the images are used. An easy way to get client’s permission to use their photos is to include this simple line in your contract:
“My planning business (insert your business name) may display and use any photographs from your event for advertising, display, website and internet promotion at our discretion.”
There may be times when a client cannot have their photos on display due to privacy concerns (they work as a police officer, FBI agent, security officer, celebrity, etc.) which is perfectly acceptable. However, if you have particular clients without a solid reason, you may consider charging more to plan the event since you won’t be able to use it as a marketing tool after the event.
Photo credit: Kelli Hunt Photography
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Hi! Quick question about adding this photo release clause to a contract – if I do an event for, say, a child’s birthday, where many children would be present, would my client’s (birthday girl’s parent) signature on the contract suffice for displaying event photos of the children on my website? Or should I just not post pics of children’s faces to play it safe?
For what reason would a photographer not allow use of the photos? I have it in my contract that the bride and groom allow my business to use any and all photos for marketing purposes, but the photographer is refusing to release the wedding photos to me. Can I ask for copies from the bride since there is no contract between myself and the photographer? She did not make me aware that she would refuse the images until recently, up until this point we had talked about getting a copy to me as well. I don’t want to step on any toes, but would also like images of the wedding.
This is a tricky situation, Annie. I believe the photographer has the copyright and retains control of the images. However, I am not qualified to give any kind of legal advice. You may want to check with a lawyer and also have a heart to heart with the photographer on why she isn’t willing to share the images with you.
[…] website and blog. You can create professional photo albums from weddings you have planned (get permission from the photographer and from your clients). Some planners create a physical portfolio book that […]
[…] important to have your client’s permission to use the photos to promote your […]
To clarify, if the photographer gave the pictures from the event, do I still need my clients permission. It has been about 5 years since some of these events.
For some, since I was only the day-of coordinator, I do not know all the names of the vendors. How do I go about using pictures for advertisment?
Priscilla, it depends on if you had anything in your contract with the clients about using their photos You may want to check with the client to confirm it is okay.
Would I need permission from a friend of the client who has a camera? If there is no copyright, is there a must on permission?
Typically this would be okay although it is always best to check with the client.
There is always a copyright. ALWAYS. Someone always owns the rights to the image, regardless of whether they register it or not. Always ask for permission.
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Do you use client pics (with permission from photographer) for a month-of coordination? My thoughts are always: “I didn’t do the design work or make the cake or floral arrangements…so can I use the photos in my marketing when I played such a small role?”
Thank you for your comment Jennifer. If you credit the vendors when using the photos, you can certainly use them in your portfolio. As long as you aren’t taking credit for the design, you will be just fine.
Keep the knowledge coming this is GREAT!
While the contract line you propose is useful (I have a similar line in my contract) to getting permission from the client to use photographs, it isn’t valid if the photographer doesn’t allow it as they own the copyrights.
Very true Sharon. The photographer needs to give you the professional photos with permission to use them. Most photographers will gladly give you the photos but there are a few who are very protective of their work. Also, some planners hire their own photographer to capture the details to ensure they have professional images for their portfolio. Thank you for commenting!
[…] Lounge shared this very useful tip on adding one simple line to your contract so you can use your client’s wedding or event […]