In the same way that musicians control who can reproduce their music, photographers control who can reproduce their images. Authors of original works own the copyright in their work and this is enshrined in legislation – the Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988 – more information on copyright ownership can be found at www.patent.gov.uk

Shops, hairdressers and pubs etc all need licences to play music - photographers, like musicians, own the copyright in their work and issue licences to enable people to reproduce their images. This is why it is important that you discuss your commission and fully brief your photographer including details about where and how you would like to use the images. The photographer will give you a licence that will reflect the agreed media - ie. on a website, in a brochure etc ., the time period and territories. The use of these images will be exclusive to you. This means that the photographer will not be able to allow any third party to use the images they shot for you during the time they are licensed for your use and beyond if this is agreed.

Click to see a sample licence in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.