Can I use wedding photos I shot as a substitute photographer in my own portfolio?
Asked 8/19/2018
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2 answers
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I was asked by another wedding photographer to cover a wedding they couldn't shoot. The couple hired that photographer, not me, and the original photographer plans to edit and deliver the images in their own style. We run separate businesses, and I’m proud of the photos I captured, so I’d like to know whether it’s appropriate to feature some of them in my website portfolio. If I want to use those images, should I ask permission first, and does the answer depend on the contract or copyright terms for subcontracted work?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
4
Just be professional about it and reach out to the other photographer. If your positions were reversed, it's likely what you would want him to do to you. Since he double booked, he might be bogged down in editing and willing to turn over the entire project to you.
Although he was the primary contact and will likely edit the photos, your work really shouldn't go in his portfolio at all because he did not actually take them, while inclusion in his portfolio would imply that he did.
As far as copyright is concerned, that likely depends on any contracts you signed when you took the job. Contact a lawyer.
Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75526
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—ask first, and check the contract before using anything.
The main issue is not just etiquette but rights. Several answers note that ownership and portfolio use often depend on the agreement you had with the hiring photographer. In many studio/subcontractor arrangements, the studio contract says the studio owns the image rights, even though you took the photos. In other cases, the photographer who pressed the shutter may retain copyright unless a contract says otherwise.
Professionally, the safest approach is to contact the original photographer and discuss it directly. If permission is granted, using the images with a clear credit line can help avoid confusion—for example, noting that you were the photographer and naming the studio involved.
Also, it would generally be misleading for the original photographer to present the images as if they shot them, just as you should not use them if your agreement forbids it.
Bottom line: review your contract, then ask for written permission. If the agreement is unclear, get legal advice before publishing the images.
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