As a client, understanding image licensing can be a complex task. Each Gerald Besson Photography (GBP) license comes with its own set of terms and conditions, and it is important to know what you can and cannot do with an image before using it. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the most common types of image licenses and what you can expect from each one.


Royalty-Free (RF) License

A Royalty-Free (RF) license is the most common type of license used when I work with professionals. With an RF license, you can use the image for an unlimited number of projects, without any additional fees or restrictions. You can use the image for personal or commercial purposes, and you can modify it as necessary to fit your needs. However, it is important to note that you cannot resell the image as your own or claim ownership of the image. The GBP RF license is reserved for professionals only and for specific occasions when I'm only required to manage the capture.


Rights-Managed (RM) License

A Rights-Managed (RM) license is a more restrictive type of license than an RF license. With an RM license, you pay a fee for each use of the image. The fee is determined by several factors, including the intended use of the image, the exclusivity of the contract, the duration of the use, and the geographic distribution of the image. This type of license is typically used for more specific or high-profile projects, such as advertising campaigns or editorial content. The GBP RM License applies to all professionals and specifically to those who print multiple copies for resales such as musicians and artists.


Editorial License

An Editorial license is a specific type of license used for images that are used in news articles, blogs, or other editorial content. With an Editorial license, you can only use the image in editorial content, and you cannot use it for commercial purposes. The image must also be used in a factual context, and you cannot alter or modify the image in any way. It is mandatory to credit the photographer with "Photo by Gerald Besson" in the caption and within the src tag. All professionals are granted an RF or RM license, and an Editorial license.


Extended License

An Extended license is an add-on to an RF or RM license that provides additional usage rights. With an Extended license, you can use the image for more purposes than allowed under the original license.


The GBP extended license applies to all non-professional clients and grants maximum flexibility and freedom. With the GBP Extended license, you'll have the ability to use the images for personal use and print them for your own use as well. However, it's important to note that alterations to the images are not allowed under this license. Additionally, if you do decide to share your images online, it's mandatory to give me credit by tagging my social media handle @geraldbesson and as possible the hashtag #geraldbessonphotography.


One of the major advantages of the GBP extended license is that it's unlimited in time, so you won't have to worry about any expiration dates or additional fees in the future. You also have unlimited distribution rights, which means you can share the images with as many people as you want without any restrictions.


It's important to keep in mind that the extended license is only for editorial use, which means the images can't be used for commercial purposes such as advertisements or promotions. However, this shouldn't be an issue for family or wedding photography as it's not typically used for commercial purposes.


Overall, an extended license is a great option for those looking for complete control and flexibility over their images. With print rights, unlimited time, and unlimited distribution, you can rest assured that you'll be able to use and share your images without any limitations.


In conclusion, choosing the right license for your project is an important decision. Consider the intended use of the image, the number of copies or products you plan to create, and your budget when selecting a license. Understanding the terms and conditions of each license can help you make an informed decision and avoid any conflict down the line.