Image Use Policy

In order to address frequent inquiries regarding the use of my work, I’ve provided the following information to help clarify common scenarios. The following information is mainly intended for third parties, as my clients generally receive a written license agreement as part of the assignment.

My work is generally licensed on a rights-managed basis. This means that the client who originally commissioned the work receives a limited license to utilize the work according to their needs, within the terms of the license. Unless otherwise specified, any use of my work by third parties or beyond the original scope of use explicitly granted by license requires an additional license and the payment of additional fees. This includes editorial and educational usage.

The “fair use” exemption codified in copyright law applies only in a very limited set of circumstances. Most uses not permitted by my policies are unlikely to meet this standard; therefore, if you expect to use an image to which you have not been granted a license, I encourage you to reach out in advance.

I do not allow my work to be uploaded to sites that apply a Creative Commons license (for example, Wikipedia). Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, all of my images are to be considered copyrighted, all rights reserved.

Most of my work is available for licensing to third parties. Rates are based on the extent of the usage. Please contact me for a quote.

Advertising & Commercial Use

Any image use with the effect of promoting the sale of products or services is considered commercial use. This includes “advertorials.” A license is required for such use and fees will apply.

Media & Press Requests

For real estate listing photos of celebrity and notable properties, limited usage may be made available to certain media publications, on a case-by-case basis, in order to directly and specifically promote the listing. Advance permission is required and restrictions and requirements apply. Please utilize the Media Request Form to request permission.

Social Media

Most social media platforms maintain built-in functions to “share” content. Provided the work is shared or re-posted from an authorized source using the official functions built into the subject platform, which includes any originally included photo credit/attribution and/or link back to my website/profile, users are permitted and encouraged to share such content. Screen-shots or images saved to a device and then re-posted are not authorized. Reposting on Instagram using external apps is permitted, provided the text and graphics of the original post are included in unmodified form.

As permitted by the relevant terms of service for each social media platform, individual users are free to share content using the built-in “share” functions of each platform. If shared from an existing post, the original authorized post must remain completely in-tact, including the link to the original post and any caption text, photo credit, and/or hashtags. Instagram “re-posts” are not considered built-in functionality, but are generally considered permissible, under the condition that the entire original post remains intact. Use by media companies/press, whether by sharing, “re-posting,” or embedding content, requires prior permission unless permitted by the original licensed party’s license (such as for the purpose of press releases).

Copyright Enforcement Policy

If you're not sure, ask me first!

As a working professional, I experience dozens of copyright infringements per year, ranging from simple misunderstandings to outright theft. Unfortunately, there is no sustainable way for me to chase down unauthorized uses and individually contact each party. Not only is this a time-consuming and costly process; frequently, one unauthorized use or incorrect attribution leads to another, causing irreparable damage to the value of the work.

Unauthorized use of my work is subject to DMCA takedown requests without advance notice. This includes otherwise permitted uses where a photo credit/attribution is required, but is incorrect or missing. Infringements of a commercial nature will be referred to a copyright enforcement organization, which may result in legal action to recover damages pursuant to USC 17 § 504.

If you have received a letter about image use

If you have received a communication from ImageRights International or an attorney on my behalf regarding a copyright/usage issue, I will be happy to verify its authenticity but am unable to provide legal advice or discuss the case further.