Permission to use RE pics I've taken for my portfolio/website...

Hi! I'm new to real estate photography and was wondering if I need permission from the realtor (who hired me to take photos) and/or the owner of the property photographed to use said images for my portfolio and website.

Thanks for any help you all can give!

- Jeff

I'm sure others here will give you valid legal advice, but my advice is to ask a (written/email) permission. You have the copyright to your own images (or did you give full rights to them in the deal?) and showing them in a personal portfolio should be fine. Selling them (prints or files) is another matter altogether.

A consideration for you to look into is

1. if the PROPERTY OWNER should have signed a Property Release, giving you specific permission to use photos of their property for commercial purposes by you, in promotion of your business.
   
2. And what type of usage rights: use in printed media, use in web based promotions?
   

I didn't give full rights to the realtor who hired me. I asked them if I could use them via messaging. It would be strictly for web based marketing.

Having the homeowner sign a release sounds like a great idea.

Thanks for the info...very much appreciated!

I have photographer friends (I'm a real estate agent) that do real estate photography.

They have a consent form that the property owner consents to photographs of their property for the purpose of promoting their property for sale, lease, exchange, or otherwise a change in ownership. The copyright is solely the photographer's. The limited license of the use of the images is to perform the first statement above, extends to the date of closing on the property or the expiration of the listing agreement. The use is for MLS, website, internet, and print marketing.

Basically a form that says the owner consents to the photos being taken and used by the agent to promote the property for sale. When it sells, the owner and agent/broker can no longer use the images in any advertising.