Information

Understanding Copyright Laws When Purchasing Photographs from Photography By Wilma Habermann.


When you purchase images from us as a photographers based in the Europe, it’s important to understand how copyright works and what rights you are (and aren’t) acquiring.


1. Copyright Ownership (EU LAW)


Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act , the photographer is the automatic legal owner of the copyright in the images they create. This means we, as the photographers, retain full copyright unless we have a written agreement transferring those rights to you.


2. What You’re Buying: A Licence to Use


When you purchase images, you are buying a licence to use them, not the copyright itself (unless explicitly agreed). This licence outlines how you are permitted to use the photos. Common types include:

• Personal Use Licence – For individual clients. Allows you to print and share images for personal use (e.g., on social media, home display, or in private albums). Commercial use is not allowed.

• Commercial Use Licence – For businesses or brands. Allows use of the images in marketing, advertising, websites, and product promotion. Pricing varies depending on scope and distribution.

• Editorial Use Licence – Permits use in newspapers, magazines, blogs, or other editorial content, typically with proper credit.

• Exclusive Licence or Copyright Assignment – If needed, we can agree in writing to assign copyright or provide exclusive usage rights, usually at a higher fee. Without this, we may license the same images to others.


3. Copyright Infringement & Restrictions


Unless your agreement states otherwise, you may not:

• Sell or redistribute the images to others

• Claim the work as your own

• Alter the images in a misleading or offensive way

• Use the images commercially without the appropriate licence


Copyright infringement can result in legal action and financial penalties.


4. Photographer’s Rights


I retain the right to:

• Use the images for portfolio, marketing, awards, exhibitions, or social media (unless you request otherwise in writing)

• Enforce my copyright against unauthorised use


5. Custom Licensing


Every client and project is different. If you have specific needs for how you’d like to use your images, we can create a bespoke licence agreement to reflect those terms.

Policy

Photography By Wilma Habermann – Photography Policy


Thank you for choosing Photography By Wilma Habermann. Please read the following policy carefully to understand how I work and what you can expect when booking a session with me.


1. Booking & Payment

• A non-refundable deposit (usually 40-100 euro or a percentage of the total fee) is required to secure your booking.

• The remaining balance is due 1 day before the shoot date or on the day of the session.

• Your session is not confirmed until the deposit is received.


2. Cancellations & Rescheduling

• If you need to cancel, please provide at least 2 days notice. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to a new date if rescheduling is possible.

• If I need to cancel or reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness or weather), I will offer an alternative date or a full refund.


3. Copyright & Usage

• Under the EU Copyright, Designs and Patents Act , I, the photographer, retain full copyright of all images taken.

• When you purchase a photography session, you receive a licence to use the images under specific terms:

• Personal use: You may print, share on social media (with credit), and display the images for personal enjoyment.

• Commercial use: If you wish to use the images for business, advertising, or promotional purposes, you must purchase a commercial licence.

• You may not sell, alter, or distribute the images without written permission.


4. Image Delivery

• Edited images will be delivered digitally via a secure online gallery within 1 to 3 days of the session.

• I retain the right to select and edit the best images from the session. Unedited RAW files are not provided.


5. Use of Images by Photographer

• I may use selected images for my portfolio, website, social media, or marketing unless you request otherwise in writing at the time of booking.


6. Client Responsibilities

• Please arrive on time for your session and ensure any necessary permissions (e.g., location access, child consent) are in place.

• By booking a session, you agree to these terms and confirm you have the authority to consent for any individuals photographed.