Can Social Media Managers Use Client Photos?
Episode Summary
Can social media managers use client photos?
This question is coming up more and more—and it’s where a lot of misunderstanding starts.
In this Field Notes episode, we walk through what’s actually happening when images are passed from a client to a third party, and where that use can cross the line.
This isn’t about bad intent. In most cases, it’s a lack of understanding around how photo rights and licensing actually work.
In This Episode
We cover:
- why this issue is becoming more common in the industry
- what happens when images are passed from client to social media manager
- the difference between managing content and using content
- who actually owns the rights to a photo
- how licensing works in real-world scenarios
- where social media managers can unintentionally cross the line
- the difference between access and ownership
- how to approach image use correctly in a business setting
Key Takeaway
If you’re using an image for your client, you are likely within scope.
If you’re using that same image for your business, you need permission.
Access does not equal ownership.
Related Reading
If you want the full breakdown of how photo rights actually work, these articles on The Horse In Focus walk through it in detail:
Stop Using Your Client’s Photos to Promote Your Social Media Business
Who Owns Photo Rights? Photographer vs Client vs Social Media Manager
Listener Prompt
If you work with images in any capacity:
Take a minute and ask yourself—
Do I actually have the rights to use the images I’m working with?