Third-Party Usage Fees – Explanation for Clients
In professional photography, it is standard industry practice to apply an additional usage fee when images are supplied for use by a third party, such as a publisher, advertiser, or media outlet, beyond the original client’s intended use.
This fee reflects the commercial value of the image when it is used to benefit a separate organisation, particularly in a public-facing context such as print or digital publication. The fee is determined by several factors, including:
- The print run or online reach of the publication
- The geographical distribution (local, national, or international)
- The licence duration
- Whether the image appears in a prominent position, such as a book or magazine cover
These charges do not apply to personal use or internal business use. They apply only when a third party, usually a publisher, uses the image or benefits from its inclusion in their materials.
To keep the process transparent and fair, I offer a tiered usage fee structure ranging from £50 to £400, depending on the nature and scale of the usage. This is consistent with licensing models widely used across the UK photography and publishing industries.
Purchasing a usage licence does not transfer copyright. Copyright remains with Foyers Photography. The licence grants permission for the image to be used in specific ways under agreed terms.
If you or your publisher are unsure which usage tier applies, I am happy to advise.