Property Releases

So there you are sitting in the Marketing or Communications/PR department and you need an image for your latest project. You’ll probably turn at some point to a stock photography site such as iStock or Corbis and assume they’re all licensed for you, and you more than likely understand most of the usual restrictions.

However, there is one that could catch you out.

Whilst you may already be familiar with model releases (and we have a few great stories on those too, which we’ll maybe share in another article), property release could come as a surprise.

Basically put, any image shot on, or of, private property (such as homes, building interiors, and businesses etc) must have a property release duly signed by the owner and obtained by the photographer. This also extends to artworks in public—you will often need the artists authority to use the image for any commercial use.

Cityscapes however (as they are not focussing on one particular property) would not need a release, but any signs or logos would need to be removed.

Interestingly, also property such as identifiable animals (zoo animal), toys, games, watches, tech products and documents (sheet music, maps) also require a property release.

Editorially, you are far more free. Under these conditions you would not normally need a release for a newsworthy article, though blogs are quite a grey area when they are run by a business.

Recently we were asked by a client to put an iconic regional artwork onto the cover of their catalogue. This is precisely the area you’ll need to be very careful. Some older artworks and landmarks that fall into the public domain (Statue of Liberty, Sydney Harbour Bridge for example) often won’t need a release, however, more modern icons (Sydney Opera House—if main focus of shot) will. Some image libraries will have obtained the release for you, other (usually the cheaper sources) won’t have gone to the same efforts.

So, there’s the minefield, hopefully we’ve made things slightly more helpful. Look for the release, and make sure you’re legal (or it could end up costing you more than you anticipated).

Jeff

Blog Home

Case Study: Laguna Spa

Part of the Park Plaza Hotel in Cardiff, the Laguna Spa is a city centre spa with a customer centric approach to their clients.

Colours: Yellow

Once upon a time a very straight-talking individual decided he wanted all the interiors of his planes to be very ‘on-brand’.

Designers Hate...

Welcome to a new series where we pour out our somewhat obsessive overreaction to small-but-hugely-irritating design decisions.

Case Study: Acuity Law

Acuity Law is a dynamic law company, with a modern organisational structure and an agile, fluid team-centric model.

Natura Unreal

In this post I just simply wanted to share something that made me go 'wow!' check out these beautiful surrealistic pieces by Luisa Azevedo.

Digital Zombies

Are we too depenendant on our devices? Are we just 'digital zombies' constantly glued to our phones?

Visions...

When discussion with friends turns to books, when I let people know that I enjoy sci-fi novels, I get a certain look...

Designing With Purpose

One belief we’ve always held close to our heart at Caffeine is that design must not only look good, it absolutely must have purpose.

Look Big - Quick Look...

The beautiful illustration work by Jeff Östberg really caught my eye and make this a lovely book to flip through.

Brand Values

Can you remember the values your business settled on? Are they really a part of your daily life in work?

Animals of the North

A quick post to show off the lovely illustrations in the book, Wild Animals of the North.

Case Study: Firing Line

Firing Line are a regimental museum that pride themselves on engaging storytelling though their exhibits and artefacts.

Everyday Magic

A quick post for you today showing you some amazing photographs from the German photographer Lucas Zimmermann.

Case Study: Barnardo's

A third sector organisation that needs no introduction came to us frustrated at their existing external designer.

Our New Site

Typically, and this is probably true for many businesses, it took us ages to get our own new site launched. But launched it is...

Case Study: Forbes

We were approached to look at reinvigorating the brand as a whole, starting with the main element of the logo and then the supporting parts.

Case Study: FWC

Cardiff based Fabulous Welshcakes asked us to create their full brand and suuporting materials. They are our oldest client...

Attract Business

Utilise our skills and experience to help you stand out and attract business.

The Power of Colour

We are surrounded with colour. Every day our lives are enhanced by the colours of nature around us.

Just My Type

I recently had the pleasure to come across a little gem of a book dedicated to the world of typefaces.

Delicate Paper Flowers

Pretty awesome paper flower creations.

VAT on Print Work

Did you know that VAT is zero on some print items, but not others?

The Designer Says

“I want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares.”

Information Is Beautiful

The Effectiveness of Infographics

Leica M Monochrome

Take a look at this thing of beauty and tell us you don't love the magic and romance of monochrome photography...

What Makes A Designer

What makes a designer a designer? And why can't anyone do it?...