Wedding photo copyrights: 3 things to know

Copyright: lenanet / 123RF Stock Photo

While featuring real weddings from couples who have submitted their celebrations to us, we've found that a good number of them don't know that they actually don't hold the copyrights to their photos, despite being a paying customer. But this also stems from the fact that the definition of the copyright holder is someone who has created the work of art - in this case, the photographer.

Here, things to know.

1. Your wedding photographer may hold the copyrights to your photos

While your photographer may not necessarily hold all the rights to your photos, he or she may include a clause in the contract to stipulate that he or she holds the rights to your photos.

NOTE: Peruse the terms and conditions very carefully in the contract before you sign.

2. Try negotiating the terms in your contract

Ask if your photographer's open to letting you have the rights to your photos for a fee, or share the rights, in which you both will have to agree on giving permission jointly.

NOTE: Copyright fees are usually fairly pricey, so check if it's imperative that you own all rights, or ask that your photographer inform you or seek your permission whenever he or she wants to feature your photos somewhere.

3. License of use

If you're looking to share or circulate your wedding photos by giving them to family members, friends and relatives, check if you can include a clause on license of use in your contract. This allows you to disseminate them...

NOTE: ...but you won't be allowed to make any changes to the photo or photos. See here for more information.

See also: 10 tips when working with your wedding photographer.