British Sites May Restrict Freelance Photos
Many Properties Do Not Allow Photography for Commercial Purposes
Jul 15, 2009
Most public attractions allow photography as long as the pictures will be used for personal or private use. But they may slam on the brakes when it comes to using photos in print and online publications.
Photo Policy Varies by Property
Some, such as the National Trust, will sell writers licensing rights to photos in their gallery. Other attractions, such as Coventry Transport Museum, will allow photos for commercial purposes if the photographer pays them a licensing fee.
The commercial photography issue is important to all freelancers, but especially so for freelance travel writers who use photos to accompany their articles.
National Trust Strict on Commercial Usage Photos
The National Trust maintains more than 350 properties in Great Britain. Its website states: “The National Trust does not permit photography or filming at its properties for commercial use or for reproduction in any form. Images taken at NT properties may not be submitted to photo libraries, agencies or on-line providers or provided directly to image buyers.” The policy further states photographers should contact the Broadcast Media Liaison Office about filming for commercial purposes.
The National Trust maintains an extensive library of photos that can be purchased for commercial purposes.
Britain-bound freelance writers should determine in advance what a property’s policy is on taking pictures for commercial usage. In some cases that information can be found on a property’s website. For example, Canterbury Cathedral’s website states: “Photography is permitted (except in the Crypt) – but for your own personal use only. Any commercial/stock library photography must be agreed in advance and is subject to a fee.”
If Policy Not Stated on Website, Email Press Office
If a website is silent on this issue, freelance writers/photographers should not assume it is okay to take pictures for commercial purposes. They should email the press office of the property in question about the policy.
Other properties, such as NorwichCastle, state in their visitors’ brochure that photography for commercial purposes is not allowed.
Some Properties Charge Fee for Photographer to Use Own Photos
Some properties do allow photographers to take their own pictures for commercial use, but will charge the photographer a licensing fee. CoventryTransportMuseum is one property that does this. The museum’s price list starts at £25 (US$41) per image for a non-profit publication up to £150 (US$246) per photo used for non-educational purposes on the internet, according to Lizzie Hazlehurst, museum curator in archives and information. The museum also requires approval of the photos the freelancer wants to use.
Not all properties are like West Midlands’ Black Country Museum which not only allows commercial photography with advance permission but also furnishes photos free of charge to the freelancer.
Pin Policy Down Before Leaving Home
The issue of commercial use of photos is one important detail that needs to be investigated in advance. Freelance writers, especially travel writers, shouldn’t wait until they return home to do this homework, only to find out they can’t use a photo of that gorgeous sunset at the castle to illustrate an article.
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