The significance of crediting your photographer

It’s a mark of respect and collaboration

In the age of digital media where visuals dominate our online experience, a picture is worth more than a thousand words, it's a powerful communicator. Behind each amazing photograph lies the skill, creativity, and dedication of a photographer who has meticulously created that moment. Yet, in the vast sea of images shared daily, the importance of crediting the artist often gets overlooked.

Photographers get so excited when we see clients share our photos on social media. We do a little happy dance and we know you must LOVE what we created with you, if you are sharing it with the world. But when we don’t see a credit to our business anywhere on the post, we immediately feel sad, discouraged and honestly slightly confused. I honestly feel like the reasons clients omit a credit to a photo have nothing to do with any bad intentions, people just forget or they don’t know any better.

Paying for a photography service to create images for your family or your business gives clients access to using those images in accordance with the license or model release, it does not give away the ownership of intellectual property. Unless you bought out the copyright. More on that later. But as a rule of thumb, any work created by a photographer for a client, paid or not paid, remains in the ownership of the creator, the Photographer. Even if the model release or agreement you signed with them (and especially so if you didn’t sign anything) does not mention anything about this, crediting your photographer whenever it makes sense is still a good idea. Here are a few reasons why:

1 Acknowledgment of Talent

Crediting your photographer is not just a formality, it's a genuine acknowledgment of their talent and hard work. Photographers pour their passion into capturing the perfect shot, investing time in mastering their craft. By giving credit, you recognize their skill and the effort they've put into delivering an image that speaks volumes.

2 The best form of marketing – word of mouth

When you add my page to your posts, you help me grow, and I truly appreciate your support. Your friends, business colleagues and followers can easily discover my business through your links and tags, essentially providing a valuable testimonial with each post. This not only contributes to the expansion of my business but also enhances networking efforts. By sharing the author of your photos, you are also helping your friends connect with a photographer you personally enjoy working with. If you have enjoyed working with me, why not share it with the world.

3 Professional Courtesy and Ethics

Crediting a photographer is a matter of professional courtesy and ethical behaviour. You wouldn't present someone else's written work as your own, the same applies to visual content. It establishes a sense of integrity in the online community and builds trust among content creators.

4 Exposure for Both Parties

Photographers thrive on exposure. By crediting us, you not only give us due recognition but also introduce our work to your audience. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties, as your audience gets to discover new talent, and the photographer gains visibility in a broader context.

5 Building Lasting Relationships

In the collaborative world of content creation, building strong relationships is key. Crediting your photographer establishes a positive rapport and encourages future collaborations. It sends a message that you appreciate their contribution to your project and opens the door for further creative partnerships.

6 We are the author of the work

Beyond ethics and professional courtesy, there are legal considerations when it comes to image usage. Unless you purchased the copyright from the photographer (and there are few instances why businesses would want to do that), your photographer is the creator, the owner, the author of the work, and, like you would with a book or artwork, adding the name is simply the way it should be. Businesses simply are not allowed to use someone’s work without a written permission and a credit affixed to the image. My work is no different. Putting a tag next to the post is the easiest way to stay compliant with the creative license. Licensing images for use in specific places like billboards and book covers, is also the industry standard and can bear legal consequences if you do not have the right to do so.

How to Credit Your Photographer

Crediting your photographer is a straightforward process. Include their name in the caption or credits section of your post, along with any relevant social media handles or website links. If you're sharing the image on a platform, be sure to tag the photographer to ensure maximum visibility. It’s like you are saying thank you again and again, giving us a virtual high five!

Simply put, it’s the right thing to do!

Hopefully after reading this, you are a little more educated about why crediting your photographer is good practice. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our name in your photos. It only takes a few seconds, but it is worth so much.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and you come away a little more enlightened. Please reach out to me if you are interested in discussing a portrait, personal branding or headshot session. Just click here to contact David