I purchased photos of my dog from GreatDanePhotos. I just found out I need to provide my training club/breeder/breed magazine/etc. with photos. Can I use the pictures I bought from you for this?
It depends.
If you bought high-resolution digital photos, either on a CD or delivered via download link, the license you purchased is a Personal Use License.
If you bought digital photos and it is for the purpose of illustrating a news article, whether it will be published in a non-profit breed magazine or a for-profit news organization, this is considered editorial use and you must purchase an Editorial Use License. Please contact Nicole in Customer Service to get pricing for an Editorial Use License. Please include as much detail about how the photo will be used, as well as the number of images to be published. It is also helpful if you tell us whether or not you have already purchased a Personal Use License. Failure to purchase an editorial license is a violation of federal copyright law and will be pursued as such.
If you bought digital photos and it’s for a brag or congratulatory ad, then yes, you may use the digital image(s), provided photo credit is clearly noted with each photo that is used. Technically, this is still considered Editorial Use, but I do allow it with the purchase of a Personal Use License.
If it is for any purpose that will generate revenue, then no, you are not licensed for that use of the photos. Violation of these terms is a violation of federal copyright law and will be pursued as such.
If you purchased prints, then no, you are not licensed for any additional use of the photos. You will need to purchase the digital images for any other purpose. Violation of these terms is a violation of federal copyright law and will be pursued as such.
I was contacted by a book/calendar/magazine publisher who wants to use photos of my dog in an upcoming book/calendar/magazine about my breed of dog. Can I submit photos that you have taken for this book/calendar/magazine/etc?
No, you may not. This is considered a commercial use of the photos and the publisher will need to contact me directly for pricing and licensing. This includes non-profit organizations as well as for-profit companies. Any photos you purchase, whether digital or prints, remain copyright GreatDanePhotos. In general, if someone is going to profit or fundraise from the use of the photo, that is considered commercial use and is not allowed. Violation of these terms is a violation of federal copyright law and will be pursued as such.
Does that mean I can’t use one of your photos to advertise my dog in Clean Run or a breed magazine?
Digital photos used in congratulatory ads in Clean Run or other breed magazines are acceptable. You still need to purchase the digital file for submission and photo credit is to be clearly noted with each photo that is used. Prints are not licensed for this use.
If you are at all uncertain about what you are entitled to do with the photos you have purchased from GreatDanePhotos, please email for clarification.
If you have questions about photo copyright and acceptable use, please visit the FAQ About Copyrights.
To learn more about the difference between Personal, Editorial, and Commercial use, please visit the ASMP Licensing Guide or The Photo Attorney.
