Photo Usage & Copyright Policy

Overview

This policy explains who owns the photographs created during a Session One Studios session, what clients are permitted to do with their images, and how Session One Studios may use those images for portfolio and promotional purposes.

By booking and completing a session with Session One Studios, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Copyright Ownership

All photographs created by Session One Studios are the exclusive intellectual property of Session One Studios and are protected under United States copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.).

The delivery of digital image files to a client does not constitute a transfer of copyright. Session One Studios retains full copyright ownership of all images regardless of who is depicted in the photograph or how the images are used by the client.

2. Client Image License

Upon receipt of full payment, Session One Studios grants the client a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use their delivered images for the purposes described below.

Personal & Professional Use — Included in All Sessions

Clients are licensed to use their images for:

• Personal social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, etc.)
• Professional profiles and directories (LinkedIn, company bios, speaker profiles)
• Personal websites and online portfolios
• Email signatures and personal communications
• Print use for personal purposes (framing, gifts, personal stationery)

Business & Marketing Use — Included in All Sessions

Clients may also use their images for:

• Their own business website and landing pages
• Business social media accounts representing their personal brand or company
• Marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, and presentation decks
• Press features, media kits, and editorial submissions
• Email marketing campaigns tied to their personal brand or business

3. Commercial Licensing

The following uses require a separate commercial licensing agreement with Session One Studios and may involve additional fees:

• Use of images in paid digital advertising (Google Ads, Meta Ads, display campaigns, sponsored content, etc.)
• Use of images in national or regional broadcast advertising (TV, streaming, radio)
• Sublicensing images to third parties, agencies, or brands
• Use of images to represent or promote a product, service, or brand that is not directly associated with the client
• Inclusion of images in stock photography libraries or similar distribution platforms
• Delivery and use of raw (unedited) image files

To inquire about commercial licensing, contact us at info@sessionone.studio.

4. Restrictions

Regardless of session type or licensing agreement, the following are strictly prohibited without prior written consent from Session One Studios:

• Selling, transferring, or sublicensing images to any third party
• Removing, altering, or obscuring watermarks, metadata, or copyright information embedded in image files
• Altering images in a way that materially misrepresents the original work or the studio's craftsmanship
• Using images in a manner that is defamatory, obscene, unlawful, or otherwise harmful to Session One Studios or any individual depicted
• Claiming authorship or ownership of the photographs

5. Studio Usage Rights

Unless a written opt-out is submitted prior to the session, Session One Studios reserves the right to use photographs from any session for the following purposes:

• Studio portfolio (website, in-studio display, print portfolio)
• Social media content (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Promotional and marketing materials
• Advertising campaigns representing Session One Studios' services
• Awards, competition submissions, and industry publications

Opting Out

Clients who do not wish to have their images used for studio promotional purposes must submit a written opt-out request before their session date. Opt-out requests received after the session has taken place cannot be guaranteed. To submit an opt-out request, contact us at info@sessionone.studio.

Opting out does not affect image quality, service delivery, or any other aspect of the client experience.

6. Third-Party Appearances

If a session includes individuals other than the primary client (e.g., family members, colleagues, or employees), the primary client is responsible for ensuring that all individuals depicted have consented to being photographed and to the usage terms outlined in this policy. Session One Studios may require signed release forms for all adult participants prior to the session.

7. Image Integrity

Session One Studios takes pride in the quality and integrity of its work. Clients are encouraged to use images as delivered. While minor personal edits (cropping for framing, applying filters for social media) are acceptable for personal use, significant alterations — including heavy digital manipulation, compositing, or AI-generated modifications — that misrepresent the original work are not permitted without written approval.

8. Infringement

Unauthorized use of Session One Studios photographs — including use beyond the scope of the license granted, removal of copyright information, or redistribution without permission — constitutes copyright infringement and may result in legal action. Session One Studios reserves all rights to pursue remedies available under applicable copyright law, including statutory damages.

9. Questions & Licensing Inquiries

For questions about this policy, to request a commercial license, or to submit a portfolio opt-out request, please contact:

Session One Studios
Email: info@sessionone.studio
Website: sessionone.studio

This Photo Usage & Copyright Policy is intended for general informational and operational purposes. Session One Studios recommends consulting a qualified attorney to ensure full enforceability under applicable federal and state law.