Home » FAQ - Questions & Answers » Licensing » Do i need the permission of the photographer to use his photo on my website?

Licensing

Do i need the permission of the photographer to use his photo on my website?

By Amos Struck

Amos Struck Industry Expert and Founder

Amos Struck, a renowned expert with over two decades in the stock photography industry, is known for his profound expertise in both stock imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). He is the founder of StockPhotoSecrets.com and a driving force behind the innovative AI-driven platform, Stockphotos.com. His pioneering work in visual AI is marked by co-founding Ximilar AI. Amos also established the Microstock Expo Conference, a key event in the stock photography sector. As a regular speaker at major industry conferences like DMLA and a prominent member of CEPIC, he consistently contributes to the industry's growth and evolution through a blend of technological innovation and market insight.

Learn more

Updated 9 Nov, 2022

Edited by Ivanna Attié

Ivanna Attié Senior Content Manager, Market Analyst, and Lead Author

I am Content Manager, Researcher, and Author in StockPhotoSecrets.com and Stock Photo Press and its many stock media-oriented publications. I am a passionate communicator with a love for visual imagery and an inexhaustible thirst for knowledge. Lucky enough to enter the wonderful world of stock photography working side-by-side with experienced experts, I am happy to share my research, insights, and advice about image licensing, stock photography offers, and the stock media industry with everyone in the creative community. My background is in Communication and Journalism, and I also love literature and performing arts.

Learn more

Reviewed by Amos Struck

Amos Struck Industry Expert and Founder

Amos Struck, a renowned expert with over two decades in the stock photography industry, is known for his profound expertise in both stock imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). He is the founder of StockPhotoSecrets.com and a driving force behind the innovative AI-driven platform, Stockphotos.com. His pioneering work in visual AI is marked by co-founding Ximilar AI. Amos also established the Microstock Expo Conference, a key event in the stock photography sector. As a regular speaker at major industry conferences like DMLA and a prominent member of CEPIC, he consistently contributes to the industry's growth and evolution through a blend of technological innovation and market insight.

Learn more

When using a stock photo from a stock photography agency, permission directly from the photographer is not required.  The stock photography agency obtains the legal agreement from the photographer.

A stock photography agency does all the permission work

The role of the stock photography agency is to obtain the permissions to sell the photos.  The photographer will decide with the agency if they want to grant Royalty Free access or extended license access to the stock photography agency.

Purchasing a stock photo provides Royalty Free permission instantly

Part of the reason for using a stock photography agency is to have access to royalty free photos and not have to contact or negotiate these terms with the photographer directly.  Stock photography agreements are very clear as to how a royalty free photo downloaded from their site can be used and all offer licensing options to accommodate your design needs.

Websites can benefit from Royalty Free stock photography

Building websites is a big job and being able to download images and stock photos instantly saves a lot of work, time and legal issues.  A stock photography agency is the best place to find great quality photos fast.  Prices are cheap and membership is for free.  It is the first stop for all website designers when they are putting together their website.

If you need photos now, join Shutterstock to download royalty free photos instantly that are cheap, great quality and without having to discuss permissions with photographers.