What can you do with the images?

As a realtor, you understand that great photographs are an essential part of marketing your listings. They capture the attention of potential buyers and help you sell properties faster. However, it's crucial to understand that just because you paid a photographer to take those photos, it doesn't mean you own them. In fact, sharing or using those photos without permission is a violation of copyright law.

So, what exactly is copyright law, and why does it matter to you as a realtor? Copyright law gives creators, such as photographers, exclusive rights to their work, including photographs. This means that they have the right to decide who can use their photos, how they can be used, and for how long. As a realtor, you may assume that you can use the photographs you paid for in any way you see fit, but that's not the case.

When you hire a photographer to take photos of your listing, you are paying for a license to use those photos for marketing purposes. This includes using them on your website, social media, and other promotional materials. However, it does not give you ownership of the photos or the right to share them with others.

Let's look at some common questions that realtors have about using photographs:

1. Can I use photos of the neighborhood or condo building amenities for my listing?
   No, you cannot. Unless you have explicit permission from the photographer to use those images, they are copyrighted and cannot be shared or used without permission.

2. Can I share the images with a stager, builder, contractor, interior designer, or home owner?
   No, you cannot. Sharing the images with anyone without permission from the photographer is a violation of copyright law.

3. Can I use other photos I found on the internet?
   No, you cannot. Just because an image is available on the internet does not mean that it's free to use. Most images found online are also copyrighted, and using them without permission is illegal.

4. I took over the property listing from another agent. Can I use those photos?
   No, you cannot. Unless you have explicit permission from the photographer to use those images, they are copyrighted and cannot be shared or used without permission.

5. I found images on Google of the property. Can I use those photos?
   No, you cannot. As with any other photo, just because it's available on Google does not mean it's free to use. Most images found online are also copyrighted and cannot be used without permission.

It's essential to remember that respecting copyright law not only protects photographers, but it also protects you and your business in the long run. Suppose you use photos without permission and are caught violating copyright law. In that case, you could face legal action, fines, and damage to your reputation.

To ensure that you're following copyright law, always make sure you have explicit permission from the photographer to use their photos. This permission should be clearly outlined in a written and signed agreement between you and the photographer.

It's also crucial to remember that photographers should be compensated fairly for their work. When someone uses their photos without permission and then profits from them, the photographer loses out on potential income. As a realtor, you could be missing out on the benefits of using those same photos for your own marketing purposes.

So, the next time you're tempted to use a photo you didn't take yourself, think twice and make sure you have permission first. It's not only the right thing to do, but it's also the law.

Always talk to your professional photographer first to see how they also feel about how you may want to share photos. Not all photographers are strict about licensing.