I photograph hundreds of professional headshots and business portraits every year. Most people spend a lot of time thinking about how they look in their headshot, but very little time thinking about what they can actually do with the image. So let’s talk about licensing.
To understand image licensing, you first need to understand copyright. When a photographer creates an image, the photographer owns the copyright unless those rights are transferred in writing. When you purchase an image, you are not purchasing the copyright. You are purchasing the right to use that image under a license. I try to keep it simple for my clients.
Your Headshot Was Created to Be Seen
Every image purchased from The Headshot Experience includes a Promotional Use License. You can use your headshot to promote yourself, your career, your business, your services or your organization.
You can use it on your website, LinkedIn, social media, business cards, speaker bios, company profiles and marketing materials. You can also use it in advertisements, on billboards and in paid campaigns. I don’t want you calling me every time you find another place to use your headshot. That’s why we created it. I want your image out in the world working for you.
When Do You Need a Commercial Use License?
The difference between promotional use and commercial use is pretty simple. If the image promotes the product, your Promotional Use License covers it. If the image becomes part of the product, you need a Commercial Use License.
Here’s an example. You wrote a book and want to use your headshot in an ad to promote it. Your Promotional Use License covers that. If you want to put that same headshot on the cover of the book, now your image is part of the product, so you need a Commercial Use License.
The same rule applies to music. You can use your portrait in an ad to promote your new single. If you want to use that portrait as the cover artwork for the single on Apple Music or Spotify, you need a Commercial Use License.
What Does a Commercial Use License Cover?
A Commercial Use License allows you to use your image as part of a product or publication that is being sold or distributed. This includes things like book and ebook covers, album and single artwork, product packaging and merchandise.
You can reproduce the image in print or digitally. Our standard Commercial Use License includes up to 10,000 physical copies or units. If you need more than 10,000 physical copies or units, you will need additional licensing.
You do not need a Commercial Use License for standard professional, promotional, marketing, advertising or paid campaign use.
Why Does Licensing Matter?
Purchasing an image and purchasing the copyright are two different things. Licensing tells you what you can and cannot do with the image.
More importantly, I want you to use your headshot. I love seeing my work on company websites, LinkedIn profiles, advertisements, billboards and marketing campaigns. That’s what we created the image for.
If you decide to use your image as part of something you’re selling, we’ll make sure you have the right license to do it.
