Copyright: A Photographer’s Struggle to Protect What’s Theirs
Recently, I found myself in a drawn-out disagreement with a local organisation over the rights to one of my photographs.
Despite clear communication and independent advice in my favour, they insisted they had ownership of the image—something that simply wasn’t true. They even threatened legal action if I used my own image. Fortunately, as I knew my rights and I stuck to my guns, they backed down and acknowledged my copyright.
This isn’t an unusual story. Many photographers—especially freelancers and those working in the creative industries—find themselves in similar situations. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and can feel deeply personal. After all, our photographs are our work, our vision, and often a part of ourselves. But when others try to claim ownership, or simply take without permission it’s not just a professional slight—it can be a legal and financial threat too.
So here’s a short, no-nonsense guide to copyright law in the UK—especially useful for photographers, and anyone who commissions or uses photographic work.
What does the law actually say?
Under UK law, the person who takes a photograph automatically owns the copyright—from the moment the image is created. You don’t need to register anything or add a watermark. It’s yours, full stop.
There are a few exceptions, but they’re quite specific:
If you take a photograph as part of your job, and you’re employed by a company (not freelance), then your employer usually owns the copyright—unless your contract says otherwise.
If someone commissions photographs (say, a wedding photo or a portrait), whilst they have the right to use those images as agreed with the photographer, they don’t own the copyright-this stays with the photographer.
A photographer can licence their images to another person or organisation, usually for a fee. A licence is a permission you give to someone to use your photo in certain ways (e.g. for a website, print advert, or social media). It should be in writing. If you haven’t given permission, or if someone goes beyond what was agreed, they’re infringing your copyright.
“But it’s on the internet, so I can use it—right?”
Wrong.
There’s a widespread myth that if an image is online—especially on social media—it’s fair game. People assume that because it’s easy to copy and paste, it must be OK to use. But copyright law doesn’t work like that.
Just because a photo is publicly viewable doesn’t mean it’s free to use. Whether it’s on Instagram, someone’s website, or found via a Google search—if you didn’t create it, and you don’t have permission, chances are you legally can’t use it.
Even reposting someone’s photo on your business account or website without asking can be an infringement. It’s not about intent—it’s about usage. And simply crediting the photographer is not a substitute for permission.
Why it matters
Copyright is what allows creatives to make a living. When others use our work without permission—or try to claim it as their own—they’re not just being disrespectful, they’re breaking the law.
Too often, organisations assume that if they’ve paid for photography, they own it. Or they assume anything on social media is up for grabs. But unless it’s written into a contract or specifically licensed for that use, it isn’t.
In my experience, when I’ve pointed out to someone they’ve infringed my copyright they are usually apologetic, ignorant of the law (but ignorance is no defence). Occasionally, people get defensive and try to argue their way out of it. Unfortunately, as happened to me recently some people get threatening.
So if you’re a photographer, know your rights. If you’re a client or organisation working with photographers—respect those rights. Good communication and clear contracts are always the best route, and help avoid unnecessary conflict.
I hope that by sharing my experience, others will feel a little more confident in asserting what’s rightfully theirs. Because protecting your work isn’t selfish or confrontational—it’s professional.