Licensing

Licensing and usage rights

Clear, Simple, Professional Copyright for Architecture & Interior Photography

Every image I create — whether for architects, designers, builders or developers — is protected by copyright. Clients do not buy the images themselves. They buy the right to use them.
Licensing keeps creative work respected, projects represented properly, and collaborations legally clean.
And don’t worry — I keep everything transparent and uncomplicated.
No confusing contracts. No hidden clauses.
Just clear, professional usage rights.

Foundation

Why clarity protects your work

Licensing prevents confusion between parties and ensures your project is represented exactly as intended. It's the framework that keeps creative collaborations fair and legally sound.

  • Prevents copyright conflicts

  • Ensures consistent project representation

  • Enables publication and awards

Protection

Why Licensing Matters (and Why It Protects You Too)

Licensing isn’t bureaucracy.
It is clarity — for everyone involved

It prevents legal issues

When builders, designers, architects and vendors all want to use the same images, proper licensing protects every party from copyright conflicts.

It ensures your project is represented correctly

Incorrect usage (or editing) can misrepresent your work. Licensing ensures that how your project appears publicly is consistent and professional.

It enables publications & awards

Magazines, journals and competitions require proper licensing and credits. Without it — submissions are rejected.

It respects the creative work behind each image

Photography isn’t just pressing a button. It’s lighting, styling, perspective, timing, editing — licensing acknowledges that labour and protects artistic integrity.

It keeps collaborations fair

When multiple parties worked on a project, licensing distributes usage rights cleanly and transparently.

Copyright Ownership

By international copyright law, the photographer always retains full copyright. Clients receive a license to use the images in specific, clearly defined ways.
This structure is standard in:

- architectural photography
- interior photography
- commercial production
- editorial publishing
- creative industries worldwide

You never have to guess what you can or cannot do — everything is explained simply.

Licenses

Four license types for different uses

Every project has different needs. Each license is customized to your specific usage, whether you're a designer, publication, or multi-team collaboration.

Portfolio license

For designers, architects and builders who want images for:
- websites
- social media
- online portfolios
- presentations & proposals
- design boards
- internal communication

This is the standard license used for most architecture & interior clients.

Editorial license

For magazines, blogs, press features and media outlets.
Includes:
- print & digital publication rights
- crediting guidelines
- high-resolution editorial files
- support with submission standards (if needed)

Architectural publications are strict — I make the process smooth.

Commercial license

Required when images are used to promote a business, such as:
- advertising campaigns
- paid marketing
- product promotion
- sales funnels
- home-builder marketing
- commercial branding materials

Commercial usage is broader and has expanded rights — therefore it is priced differently.

Extended multi-party license

For projects with multiple creative teams:
- architects
- interior designers
- builders
- developers
- engineers
- suppliers (e.g., lighting, tile, cabinetry brands)

Each party receives clear usage rights — without conflict.
This is ideal for high-profile projects where multiple studios want to publish the same space.

What’s Included in Every License

Each license is customized but always includes:
permitted platforms (web, print, social, advertising, editorial, etc.)

- duration of usage
- geographic region (local / national / global)
- allowed image modifications (if any)
- resolution + file types
- third-party usage rules
- publication & credit guidelines

No guessing. No complications. Just clear, professional usage rules.

Framework

Using Images in Publications

Architectural publications require:

- correct photographer credit
- correct design firm credit
- no cropping that misrepresents the space
- no editing without approval
- resolution & format requirements
- licensing confirmation

I provide simple, ready-to-use instructions to ensure your submission is smooth and fully compliant.

Proper Crediting

You'll receive clear formatting for credits used in:
- magazines
- printed features
- online articles
- award submissions
- exhibitions
- social media

Correct crediting protects everyone involved — your studio, the builder, and my authorship.

Common Mistakes (and How Licensing Prevents Them)

✔ sending images to vendors without permission
✔ giving magazines unlicensed files
✔ letting subcontractors use photos commercially
✔ altering or cropping images incorrectly
✔ using photos for advertising with a portfolio-only license

Licensing eliminates all of these issues.

Mini Case Study: Multi-Party Licensing

Custom Modern Home — Vancouver

Architect: Studio 1

Interior Design: Studio 2

Builder: Construction Company 1

Challenge:

Three different teams wanted to use the final images across social media, websites, and a print publication.

Solution:

I created a multi-party license, where each team received tailored usage rights.

The project was later featured in a design magazine with correct credits and zero licensing conflict.

Outcome:

- clean legal structure

- proper attribution

- unified visual representation

- no copyright violations

- teams continued using images confidently for proposals & awards

FAQ — Licensing & Usage Rights

I'm here to clarify usage rights and find the right fit for your project.

Who owns the copyright to the photos?

The photographer always retains copyright. Clients receive a usage license.

Can we share images with vendors or partners?

Yes — if you have a multi-party license. Otherwise, additional usage fees apply.

Can we submit the photos to magazines?

Absolutely. I provide guidelines for credits and editorial usage.

Do you allow image editing or heavy retouching?

Minor adjustments are fine. Major edits require approval to protect design integrity

Can multiple teams share the same set of images?

Yes — through a clearly defined multi-party license.

Ready to clarify?

Reach out and we'll discuss your licensing needs.