Everything You Need to Know

Photo Licensing

Licensing Information

Every photo you see on this website is available to license for a fee, which means you can then legally use it for your projects, whether that’s your website, social media, a magazine feature, or an ad campaign. The price depends on how you’ll use it, how many people will see it, how long you’ll be using it, and whether it’s for commercial or editorial purposes.

I get it—there’s a common misconception that if an image pops up on Google, it’s fair game. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Photos are protected by copyright, and using them without permission can land you in hot, legal water (or at least in some awkward emails from photographers like me).

That’s why licensing exists: it’s a way to make sure creators are compensated and credited for their work, while you get the legal green light to use beautiful, professional images for whatever application you’ve negotiated.

Curious about how this all works? Check out my copyright school video for a comprehensive rundown that demystifies the whole topic.

And if there’s an image on my site you’ve got your eye on—or if you’re not sure where to start—drop me a line. I’m happy to help you figure out the right license for your project.

Types of Photo Licenses You Can Purchase

Below are some of the most common types of licenses I offer, what they include, typical price ranges, and who they’re best suited for. Prices can vary depending on how many images you want, the size of your audience, and how long you plan to use the photos. This list is by no means final. When it comes to licensing, I can tailor a custom quote depending on your specific needs.

Comprehensive Collateral License:

$300-1k per image

This license is designed for businesses and brands who want flexibility to use images across all major marketing channels they own and operate themselves, without constantly coming back for new licenses or worrying about overstepping usage rights.

  • Website

  • blog posts

  • online portfolios

  • organic social media posts and stories (no paid ads)

  • brochures, flyers, catalogs, direct mail

  • press releases, media kids, trade publications

  • office prints (or you can buy prints directly from me at my print shop

This license is limited to your own platforms and marketing materials. You may not distribute to third parties. Nor does it permit use by any subsidiary, affiliate, partner brand, or future business division without updated terms and fees negotiated.

Editorial License:

$150-$500/ image

Use in publications like newspapers, magazines, blogs, books, or news sites, where images accompany journalistic or educational content.

  • Perfect for writers, journalists, publishers, bloggers

  • Not for advertising or promotional use. Images can’t imply endorsements.

Advertising/ Commercial License:

$1500 - $10,000 per image.

Grants high-profile commercial use, such as print ads, billboards, magazines, product packaging, OOH (Out-of-Home Displays), or TV commercials. Also includes paid social media campaigns targeting national or global audiences.

  • Perfect for writers, journalists, publishers, bloggers

  • Not for advertising or promotional use. Images can’t imply endorsements.

Merchandising License

$2500 - $15,000 per image (or custom pricing for larger runs)

grants you the rights to use my photographs on products you plan to sell—like prints, posters, apparel, home decor, stationery, calendars, packaging, or any physical or digital items intended for resale.

This isn’t just standard commercial use—it’s a step further because my images become part of your product itself, potentially generating revenue each time it’s sold. That’s why merchandising licenses carry different pricing and terms than regular marketing or advertising usage.

  • Retail brands creating art prints, wall decor, or home goods

  • Apparel companies use images for clothing designs