Print Release vs Copyright: A Simple Guide for Families

What is the Difference Between Print Rights and Copyright?

​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.

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What are Print Rights?

​​Print rights allow families to print and enjoy their images for personal use.

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

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Why Professional Photographers Retain Copyright

Copyright protection allows photographers to maintain the quality and integrity of their work.
It ensures that images are displayed as intended and helps protect the creative investment involved in creating them.
For many photographers, their portfolio is their livelihood. Copyright allows them to continue showcasing their work while still providing clients with the freedom to enjoy and print their images.
What Amy & Caitie Photography ProvidesAll digital image collections from Amy & Caitie Photography include a personal print release.
This allows you to print your photographs for personal use and share them with family and friends while the copyright remains with the photographer.
We want you to enjoy your images for years to come—whether that means creating albums, displaying wall art, or filling your home with memories from your family's time at the beach.

The Simple Version:
Copyright = Ownership
Print Rights = Permission

You receive permission to print and enjoy your photographs.
The photographer retains ownership of the artwork itself.
Both work together to give you the freedom to use your images while protecting the creative work behind them.

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