When you book a photo session, you are investing in more than images. You are creating memories, moments, and a visual story that belongs to you.

At the same time, as a photographer, I create and manage the images that come from that experience. Because of this, there are different ways images can be used, and it’s important to understand the difference.

This is not about restriction. It is about clarity, respect, and making sure that both clients and collaborators feel comfortable with how images are shared.

Personal Use

For my clients, images are always delivered for personal use.

This means you are free to:

• download and keep your images
• share them with family and friends
• post them on your own social media
• print them for albums or your home

These images represent your experience, and they are yours to enjoy and keep.

My Use as a Photographer

As a photographer, I may use selected images to present my work on:

• my website
• my portfolio
• my social media

This is how I show future clients what an experience looks like.

In doing so, I always prioritize discretion and respect. I do not tag clients or share personal details unless explicitly requested.

I believe that tagging should be requested, not assumed.

This allows each client to decide how visible they want to be, while still allowing me to share the work in a respectful and professional way.

After delivering the images, I also allow a two-week period for clients to review their gallery and mark any images as private using a Client Exclusive Password. While I always appreciate being able to share selected images, I fully respect your decision if you prefer to keep some or all of them private.

Social Media Sharing by Businesses

In some cases, businesses involved in the experience (such as a boat company, tulip field or garden, venue, make-up artist, or partner) may wish to share images.

This is usually welcome when it is done in a collaborative and editorial context, such as:

• sharing the experience on their social media
• mentioning the photographer
• showing the atmosphere of the moment

This type of use is about storytelling and collaboration.

It is important that:

• the images are credited
• the context remains authentic
• the use reflects the real experience

Advertising and Commercial Use

There is a clear difference between sharing and advertising.

Using images for advertising means:

• running paid ads (Google Ads, Meta, etc.)
• promoting services commercially
• using the images to generate sales

This is considered commercial use, and it requires a separate agreement.

Why?

Because the images are no longer simply representing a memory.

They are being used to promote a business and attract new clients.

What Commercial Use Requires

When images are used for advertising, three things become essential:

1. Client Consent

The people in the images must agree to have their image used commercially.

2. Photographer Licensing

A commercial license must be granted by the photographer.

3. Fair Compensation

Commercial use carries a different value and requires appropriate licensing fees.

In some cases, part of this fee may be shared with the clients, as their image is part of the campaign.

Why This Matters

This approach protects:

• the privacy and comfort of my clients
• the integrity of the experience
• the value of the work created

It ensures that images are never used in a way that feels unexpected or out of context.

A Thoughtful Approach to Sharing

Every session I photograph is personal. That is why I approach image usage with care. Images can be shared, celebrated, and remembered, but always with intention and clarity.

If a business wishes to use images beyond social sharing, I’m always open to discussing a licensing agreement that respects both the clients and the work created.

See you in The Netherlands,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam