TOP 10 Questions #9. I Paid You To Take The Photos… What Do You Mean I Don’t Own Them?

This can be a touchy subject with some photographers, and their clients. Just like when you rent a car, you don't own that car. The same is true when you license images from a photographer. The costs of creating your images are probably broken down into three categories, Creative Fee, Usage Fee, and Expenses

Creative Fee is exactly that, the creativity and talent required to capture your vision of a subject by the photographer.

Expenses are self explanatory, these are the actual expenses such as travel, equipment rental, props, etc.

Usage is, to put it as simplistically as possible, is your rental fee to use the images created. Your photographer should be clearly illustrating those terms in their Estimate and invoice. Two years exclusive use for all marketing efforts with the exception of paid advertising. One year, non-exclusive use, etc. If you don't see these "rental" terms on your estimate, be sure to ask the photographer what they are, AND, be sure they are part of the final estimate you sign. This will save you form misunderstandings in the long run.

Whether we are your photographer or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Architectural and Aerial Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com
866-722-9506