Listing Photos & Legal Use: What You’re Really Paying For
When booking a real estate photo session, have you ever wondered what you’re actually getting?
It’s a fair question. Many real estate professionals assume that paying for a shoot means they fully own the pictures. But what you’re really receiving is permission to use the images for a specific purpose—not the images themselves. This licensing model is what makes real estate photography both practical and cost-effective.
How Licensing Makes Photography Affordable
Photography for commercial brands or products can cost thousands, mainly because those images come with broad, long-term usage rights. Real estate, on the other hand, is different. It’s priced with a single property in mind and for a limited timeframe. That narrower scope of use keeps fees reasonable, while also honoring the photographer’s creative rights. This however, gets a little more involved when we are discussing short term rentals. The licensing fees and terms here are usually at a higher price point and longer term as the same images can be used for a longer period of time.
So, What Are You Actually Getting?
In creative work—whether it’s photos, videos, or design—the creator automatically holds the copyright. That means we legally own the images we capture. However, when you hire us to photograph a property, We give you a usage agreement (or license) that allows you to promote that listing with the photos.
This means:
✅ You’re free to use the photos on the MLS, listing sites like Zillow, your personal site, social media, and printed flyers—as long as it’s for that listing.
🚫 You’re not permitted to pass those photos along to third parties—like contractors, designers, builders, or the buyer/seller—without them securing their own license.
This isn’t about being restrictive—it’s the industry norm, and it protects all parties involved.
Why Copyright Stays with the Photographer
Maintaining copyright isn’t about control—it’s about professionalism, consistency, and legal clarity. It allows us to:
Prevent misuse or unauthorized editing
Maintain the quality and reputation of our work
Provide licenses to others who may want to feature the property
Ensure your images aren’t used to promote a different business
Want to Share the Images? Let’s Chat
If a builder, decorator, or anyone else is interested in using the photos for their own marketing, that’s totally doable. We’ll just need to issue the appropriate license so everyone’s covered.
Clear Expectations, Up Front
Our licensing terms are laid out clearly in our service agreement (Terms of Use). We value transparency, and this approach ensures you’re only paying for what’s needed—nothing more, nothing hidden.
If you’re ever unsure about how you can use the photos or need additional rights, we’re here to help.
