Licensing FAQ:
READ FIRST:
The following information is based on BonaFide Cowboy (KNZ Brand LLC) contracts and is provided for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Please consult your own attorney or contact us directly with any licensing or copyright questions.
What kind of permitted usage comes with my photoshoot?
Each photoshoot is different and outlined in your contract. By default:
What is considered commercial usage?
Commercial usage covers any activity where photos are used to promote a business, product, or service for financial gain.
Examples include:
Why work with a photographer who licenses images?
Licensing ensures both parties are happy and creates a clear contract with no confusion. For you, that means:
Isn’t social media credit enough?
Credit is important and required under most contracts, but exposure does not replace licensing. If photos are being used commercially, licensing ensures fair compensation for the value they provide.
Do I have to credit you on every advertisement?
It depends on your license. For bigger campaigns (billboards, packaging, national ads), attribution requirements may be waived by purchasing the proper license. Your contract will outline the details.
What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive licenses?
What is a conditional-use license?
A conditional-use license defines specific, agreed-upon uses for your photos (for example: website only, or social media only). It’s often the most affordable option but comes with limitations. Ownership always remains with BonaFide Cowboy.
What kind of licenses do you offer, and how are rates determined?
Licensing is customized for every client. Rates are determined by:
Final Note:
Licensing may be new if you’ve only worked with amateur photographers before, but it’s a professional standard in the industry. It keeps everything clear, fair, and mutually beneficial. If you have questions, I’m always happy to walk you through your options so you feel confident moving forward.
The following information is based on BonaFide Cowboy (KNZ Brand LLC) contracts and is provided for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Please consult your own attorney or contact us directly with any licensing or copyright questions.
What kind of permitted usage comes with my photoshoot?
Each photoshoot is different and outlined in your contract. By default:
- All general shoots include personal-use permission under the “Permitted Usage” clause.
- Brand/commercial shoots normally include commercial usage, with the stipulation that visible attribution must be given to BonaFide Cowboy unless otherwise noted in the contract. If you’d like to use your photos in ads, packaging, or banners without attribution, additional licensing is required.
What is considered commercial usage?
Commercial usage covers any activity where photos are used to promote a business, product, or service for financial gain.
Examples include:
- Ads (print, digital, or social)
- Website banners or e-commerce listings
- Billboards or event promotion
- Product packaging or sales materials
Why work with a photographer who licenses images?
Licensing ensures both parties are happy and creates a clear contract with no confusion. For you, that means:
- Clarity — exactly how you can (and can’t) use your images is spelled out.
- Confidence — your usage rights are protected, avoiding legal gray areas.
- Flexibility — you can choose the license that fits your needs.
- Fairness — you only pay for the rights you actually intend to use.
Isn’t social media credit enough?
Credit is important and required under most contracts, but exposure does not replace licensing. If photos are being used commercially, licensing ensures fair compensation for the value they provide.
Do I have to credit you on every advertisement?
It depends on your license. For bigger campaigns (billboards, packaging, national ads), attribution requirements may be waived by purchasing the proper license. Your contract will outline the details.
What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive licenses?
- Exclusive-Use License — Grants the client full ownership of the photos (with minor stipulations, like my ability to use them in my portfolio). Once purchased, you may use the photos however you wish as outlined in your contract.
- Non-Exclusive License — I retain ownership, while you receive usage rights. This can include conditional-use licenses.
What is a conditional-use license?
A conditional-use license defines specific, agreed-upon uses for your photos (for example: website only, or social media only). It’s often the most affordable option but comes with limitations. Ownership always remains with BonaFide Cowboy.
What kind of licenses do you offer, and how are rates determined?
Licensing is customized for every client. Rates are determined by:
- Licensing type (exclusive, non-exclusive, conditional)
- Where the photos will appear (social media, print, packaging, billboards, etc.)
- Duration and reach (local, national, or global campaigns)
- Models (working cowboys/cowgirls or hired talent)
- Locations (ranches, venues, travel requirements)
- Quantity of deliverables (photos, videos, reels, etc.)
- Additional needs (stylists, assistants, props, travel, etc.)
- Conditional-Use Licenses — limited, purpose-specific usage.
- Exclusive-Use Licenses — full rights to select photos or all images.
- Comprehensive Packages — for brands needing broad, long-term rights.
Final Note:
Licensing may be new if you’ve only worked with amateur photographers before, but it’s a professional standard in the industry. It keeps everything clear, fair, and mutually beneficial. If you have questions, I’m always happy to walk you through your options so you feel confident moving forward.
Licensing at a Glance
License Type
What It Includes
Pros
Cons
Personal-Use License
Permission to use images privately (social media, personal sharing, prints for home).
Not for business or promotional use.
✅ Great for families, legacy ranch photos, or non-commercial shoots.
✅ Often included by default.
✅ Often included by default.
❌ Cannot use for advertising, branding, or anything tied to sales.
Conditional-Use License
Limited, agreed-upon uses (e.g., social media only, website only, or a specific campaign).
Non-exclusive — BonaFide Cowboy retains ownership.
✅ More affordable option.
✅ Tailored to your needs (you only pay for the rights you use).
✅ Great for smaller brands or short campaigns.
✅ Tailored to your needs (you only pay for the rights you use).
✅ Great for smaller brands or short campaigns.
❌ Restricted use — you’ll need a new license if you expand your campaign or want broader usage.
Exclusive-Use License
Full rights to select images (with minor stipulations like portfolio display).
Once purchased, you can use images as outlined in your contract.
✅ Maximum flexibility and control.
✅ No attribution requirement.
✅ Ideal for larger brands, national campaigns, or packaging.
✅ No attribution requirement.
✅ Ideal for larger brands, national campaigns, or packaging.
❌ Higher investment (typically four- to five-figure range depending on scope).
❌ You may pay for rights you don’t always need.
❌ You may pay for rights you don’t always need.
Comprehensive / All-Inclusive License
Broad rights for all delivered images — often covering multiple platforms, campaigns, and long-term use.
✅ Simplifies everything (no renegotiation per campaign).
✅ Best value for brands needing constant content.
✅ Scales with your growth.
✅ Best value for brands needing constant content.
✅ Scales with your growth.
❌ Highest investment tier.
❌ Not ideal for small, one-off projects.
❌ Not ideal for small, one-off projects.
Note: This chart is a summary for informational purposes only. Actual “Permitted Usage,” attribution, and licensing terms are defined in your BonaFide Cowboy (KNZ Brand LLC) contract.
