Licensing & usage
Every engagement spells out what you can do with the files — web, print, how long, and where. This page is a plain-language overview; your estimate or contract is the final word.
What “usage” covers
Usage describes where and how you may use the delivered images — for example your website, paid ads, internal decks, packaging, or print runs. It also covers how long those rights last and whether they are exclusive (only you) or non-exclusive (the work can be licensed elsewhere unless you buy exclusivity).
Web & social
Typical web usage includes your site, email marketing, and organic social posts for your brand. Paid social and programmatic ads are often quoted separately because they scale differently. You'll see each channel called out in writing so procurement and legal can reconcile the scope.
Print & out-of-home
Print usage is usually defined by impression volume or print run (e.g. brochure up to 10k copies, or a single trade-show panel). Larger runs, billboards, and resale of the image as a product (posters, prints) need their own line — ask when you request a quote.
Duration & territory
Rights are granted for a term (e.g. one year, three years, or perpetual for a defined use) and a territory (often North America or worldwide). When the term ends, you stop distributing new materials with those images unless you renew — existing printed inventory may be negotiated case by case.
Exclusivity
Non-exclusive licenses let the photographer retain the right to license the same or similar imagery elsewhere. Exclusive licenses (category, industry, or full buyout) limit that — they affect fee and are always documented explicitly. Work-for-hire and copyright assignment are different again; say so up front if your institution requires it.
Credit & files
Editorial and many corporate agreements include a credit line where format allows. Deliverables are listed by resolution (web, print, master) in your proposal — what you receive matches what you licensed.
Need a quote for a specific use?
Describe the channels, term, and territory — you'll get numbers tied to the same line items as your online proposal.
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