Industry practices & industry standards

In the commercial photography industry, there are well-established norms and trends regarding how images are created, marketed, licensed, and protected. These include:

• Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Licensing: Exclusive licensing often commands a higher fee because the photographer is granting the buyer exclusive rights, whereas non-exclusive licenses allow the image to be sold to multiple buyers.

• Stock Photography vs. Custom Work: Stock photography tends to have lower licensing fees because it’s pre-shot and sold to multiple buyers, whereas custom or commissioned work can fetch much higher rates because of the tailored nature of the image.

• Usage Rights: Buyers expect clear agreements on how they can use images (e.g., in advertising, editorial, or digital media), and photographers expect to be compensated accordingly.

• User Perceptions: Photographers often perceive their work as highly valuable, while buyers (such as advertisers or publishers) may view images as a commodity, looking for the best deal possible. This mismatch can lead to conflicts over pricing, licensing, and usage.