Should you share your images?

I was recently watching this show that was based in Los Angeles, and every spot they tried to film, they were told they couldn’t film there due to copyrights. And it reminded me of something I see so many photographers question…

Should I not allow vendors to use my photos?

So here is my take on it. I’ve been to LA a couple of times now, but I haven’t gotten to see every sight and sound by any means. I’m watching this show, and they are only allowed to show me the farmer’s market. They joke about wanting to show this spot and that spot, but legally they can’t. They mention all these great sounding spots, but without physically seeing everything in the best light that they’d be able to capture, I have no desire to go there nor will I even remember the names. But I do remember the farmer’s market since they were able to show that off. If I were to return to LA, the only place that would come to mind would be just that.

The same thing applies to photography. When I first started, I remember seeing so many photographers getting so angry or annoyed when vendors would ask to use images of their own work to advertise their business. Some photographers would even ask them to pay extra to be able to use these photos. To me, that’s just money talking. I’m not an in-person-sales kinda gal because I simply do not have time to sit with every client I ever have and try to make them buy prints and albums. It’s just not me – but it may be what others do, which is fine. But when it comes to photographing details at a wedding and not allowing vendors to use your photos of what you captured, it’s kind of like the whole LA thing. That vendor won’t remember the great work you allowed them to show off. Those brides and grooms looking for a photographer won’t see your work unless they happen to come by your website. And when others ask for suggestions on who to hire, you may easily go forgotten because you aren’t allowing your name to be out there.

It all boils down to this: the more your name is out there, the more people will remember you. It isn’t going to harm you in any way to send five photos of the invitations to the vendor that worked so hard to make them, nor will it hurt to send some photos of the flowers to the florist that worked overnight to get everything together and delivered. Favors you do will come back to you either in referrals or just help when you need it. It’s about creating your community of fans that will have your back and remember you. And it only takes a few minutes to send them over. Win/win for everyone!

Also, here are some super cute engagements from recently! Enjoy!