​When you receive your gallery from a professional photographer, you'll often hear the terms print rights and copyright. While they sound similar, they are actually very different things.
Understanding the difference helps you know exactly what you can do with your images—and what remains the photographer's responsibility.
What Is Copyright?Copyright is the legal ownership of a photograph.
In the United States, the photographer automatically owns the copyright to any image they create. Copyright gives the photographer the exclusive right to:

• Reproduce the photographs
• Sell the photographs
• Publish the photographs
• License the photographs for use
• Create derivative works or alterations
• Control how the images are distributed

Simply put, copyright means the photographer owns the artwork.
When you hire a photographer, you are purchasing their time, expertise, and the rights granted in your contract—not ownership of the images themselves.

Print rights are permission granted by the photographer for personal use.
When a photographer provides print rights, they are allowing you to:

• Download your images
• Print your images at the lab of your choice
• Share your images with family and friends
• Post your images on personal social media accounts

Print rights do not transfer ownership of the photographs.
You are receiving permission to use the images for personal purposes while the photographer retains copyright ownership.
What You Can Do With Images That Include Print RightsMost family photography clients may:
✓ Print photographs for their home
✓ Order holiday cards
✓ Share images on Facebook and Instagram
✓ Email images to family members
✓ Create personal photo albums
✓ Display photographs in their home

These are all considered personal uses and are generally covered under a standard print release.
What You Cannot Do Without Permission. Because the photographer still owns the copyright, there are some things that are not permitted without written permission.
These typically include:
✗ Selling the photographs
✗ Entering the images into contests
✗ Using the photographs for advertising or commercial purposes
✗ Editing or altering the images
✗ Removing watermarks
✗ Claiming the images as your own work

​Your photographs were made to be enjoyed long after your vacation ends.

​Printing digital artwork should be simple—but a few common mistakes can turn a beautiful image into something flat, muddy, or pixelated. This guide walks you through how to get the best possible results, whether you purchased a digital print or are printing artwork for your home.
I’ve been a professional photographer for over 15 years and hold a Bachelor of Fine Art degree. I prepare every image with printing in mind, but the final result depends heavily on how and where it’s printed.
This article will help you avoid the usual pitfalls.

​This is the most common issue I see.
Do not download your files on a phone or tablet.
Mobile devices often:

• Compress files
• Change file names
• Reduce resolution
• Strip important print data

Even if the image looks fine on your screen, it may print soft or blurry.
​
Always download your files using a laptop or desktop computer.
Once downloaded, you can transfer the file if needed—but the initial download matters.

Recommended Print Labs
For consumer-quality professional results, I recommend:

• MPix.com – consistent color, excellent paper options
• Nations Photo Lab – another solid, reliable choice

These labs use professional printers and proper color management, which makes a noticeable difference—especially for large prints.

Why I Don’t Recommend Store Kiosks
Most big-box store kiosks:

• Use limited color ink sets (often only 3 colors)
• Automatically alter images
• Print too dark or muddy
• Lose detail in skies and shadows

They’re fine for quick snapshots—not artwork.

Paper Choice: Keep It Simple
For wall art, these finishes work best:

• Matte – soft, timeless, no glare
• Luster – slight sheen, good detail, very popular

Glossy paper is not recommended for large wall art due to reflections and fingerprints.

Color Differences Are Normal
​Every screen displays color differently.
Your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV are all calibrated differently, and printers interpret color in their own way. Small variations in warmth, brightness, or contrast are completely normal and do not indicate a problem with the file.
This is one reason professional labs produce more consistent results.

Your purchase includes personal print rights, meaning you may print the artwork for yourself or your home.
Print rights do not allow:

• Resale
• Redistribution
• Commercial use
• Uploading to other websites

If you have questions about usage, feel free to reach out before printing.

TV Screensaver Files
If your download includes a TV screensaver file, it is sized specifically for modern flat-screen televisions.
Use the file as provided—no resizing needed.

AFTER THE SESSION
I upload the images to my computer and back them up on an external hard drive. Then get to work culling and editing.
Once completed your images will be uploaded into an online gallery where you can download the full resolution digital files.
We will set up a time to chat and go over your online gallery. You can ask questions and we can help you decide on what to order and get the best choice for your budget. We are fully educated in the printing process and can help you decide what to print at what size. 
​

WEATHER
Ahh, weather. The only job where you can be wrong 80% of the time.  In a traditional Florida summer it is raining somewhere, it could be a mile down the street and sunny where you are! I have five weather apps that I refer to constantly, I go with three out of five similar forecasts. The short version is we try to wait until the session day and just before everyone begins the process of getting ready to decide. You can read more about the weather policy HERE. For more information on what to expect during windy conditions, you can read HERE.  
TIMING
Timing is especially important in a mini session. Our beach sessions are held just before sunset so we do not have the option of starting and ending late. When the sun is down we are out of time. If you are not sure if you may need longer time let us know. We can begin earlier and if we have everything after 20 minutes great, if not we can go for a Classic session. We have an article you may want to check out titled 'Is a Mini Session right for us?"
We do account for time walking to the location when setting the meeting time so we aim to meet at the agreed upon time. Traffic here is unreliable however so you may want to leave early. We have a lot of bikes and golf carts that like to ride on back beach roads and in most areas there is just 98 so if there is an accident there is no way around it. However arriving early does not necessarily mean we will begin early,  light is everything in portraits. 
We will typically meet in the parking lot and from there we will walk down to the beach while discussing final details. I will ask if there is anything you especially want to get or if there is something you are wanting printed large. We will prioritize getting those shots first to capture optimal lighting suitable for large prints. ​

Our Classic Session is our most requested. We have found that 45 minutes is the perfect amount of time to capture the essential shots and a few fun shots!​

WEATHER
First let's talk a little about the weather. It can be frustrating when your job depends on the weather! I have five weather apps that I refer to constantly. In a traditional Florida summer it is raining somewhere, it could be a mile down the street and sunny where you are!  The short version is we try to wait until the session day and just before everyone begins the process of getting ready to decide. You can read more about the weather policy HERE. For more information on what to expect during windy conditions, you can read HERE.  
TIMING
​All beach sessions are held just before sunset. We do account for time walking to the location when setting the meeting time so we aim to meet at the agreed upon time. Traffic here is unreliable however so you may want to leave early. We have a lot of bikes and golf carts that like to ride on back beach roads and in most areas there is just 98 so if there is an accident there is no way around it. However arriving early does not necessarily mean we will begin early,  light is everything in portraits. 
We will typically meet in the parking lot and from there we will walk down to the beach while discussing final details. I will ask if there is anything you especially want to get or if there is something you are wanting printed large. We will prioritize getting those shots first to capture optimal lighting suitable for large prints. ​

We have a general list of standard shots to include with every session. I try to work in this order so I don't forget anything: family close up and full, couple, individual shots of the children, siblings together close up and full body. We will end the traditional shots with another family shot as the light will have changed by then, providing you with more options. These are the standard traditional shots that are usually printed for walls or wallet size for sharing. By this time we're all somewhat familiar with each other, everyone is a little more relaxed and we're ready for some cozy, fun lifestyle shots that more reflect your personality than traditional posed shots. These are great for albums and social media. We will end the session when the sun gets below the water and we start losing the light. ​

WHAT IF MY TODDLER DOESN'T WANT TO COOPORATE? 
Leave it to us. We both, Amy and Caitie, have worked with little ones for 15 years in addition to having 4 and 5 of our own and we love working with little ones! If you are especially worried let us know and we will be prepared. Amy has worked with toddlers for over 20 years teaching general education, special education and has trained as a Registered Behavior Therapist. 
You can read more about preparing your toddler and how we can help HERE.

AFTER THE SESSION
I will then get to work on the after session; culling and editing. 
The images will be uploaded into an online gallery where you can download the full resolution digital files and place your order. Our job is not done until you are satisfied that you got what you came for. We are fully educated in the printing process and can help you decide what to print at what size. 
When you look good, we look good! 
Moreover, simply right-clicking, printing from a phone, or using a kiosk will not deliver the quality you are investing in. HERE is a blog you can check out with information about digitals and prints. 

Who doesn't love a beach vacation!?
A day at the beach, relaxation, free from work and home responsibilities. 
Only to find new ones, sand in everything, sunburn, over heated and tired kids, carrying everything but the kitchen sink, wondering if your keys will still be there when you get out of the water. 

​Read below to see how we've come to combat a few of these problems! Between Caitie being a Florida native and Amy's 14 years in the area, they have learned a thing or two about making a trip to the beach a little easier. Read on for some tips on how to deal with sand and heat.