Image Rights & Licensing Agreement
Understanding Your Image Rights
All photographs created during your session with Little Smiles are protected by copyright law. This document explains what you can and cannot do with your images, and what rights Little Smiles retains.
Ownership & Copyright
The photographer (Daniel Vayman) retains full copyright ownership of all images created during your session. Copyright exists automatically and does not need to be registered. You do not become the owner of the images, but you receive a license to use them (see below).
Your License to Use Images
Upon payment of your session fee and any image purchases, you receive a perpetual, non-exclusive, personal license to use the images for:
✓ Personal & family use (viewing, displaying at home)
✓ Printing for personal use (framed prints, albums, gifts)
✓ Sharing privately with family & friends (email, private messaging)
✓ Social media use (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) for personal, non-commercial sharing
✓ Long-term archival and personal heritage preservation
What You CANNOT Do
Your license does NOT include:
✗ Commercial use (selling prints, using in advertisements, business materials)
✗ Educational or institutional use (schools, calendars, publications)
✗ Web use beyond personal Facebook/Instagram (commercial websites, blog monetization)
✗ Reproduction rights (printing and selling copies)
✗ Modification and resale (editing and selling images)
✗ Licensing images to third parties
✗ Public display beyond personal social media (galleries, exhibitions, contests)
For any commercial or non-personal use, written permission and potential licensing fees apply.
Minors & Parental Rights
Images of children (minors under 18) are subject to parental/guardian rights. By booking a session, parent/guardian grants consent for:
• Photography of the child
• Personal use as described above
• Photographer's portfolio/marketing use (unless opted out in writing)
Parents may request that images of their child not be used for portfolio or marketing purposes by notifying the photographer in writing at booking.
Commercial Licensing
If you wish to use images for commercial purposes (business advertising, product packaging, publication, etc.), you must obtain a commercial license from the photographer. Commercial license terms, rates, and duration are negotiated individually. Contact contact@littlesmiles.ch for commercial licensing inquiries.
Photographer's Portfolio & Marketing Use
The photographer reserves the right to use images from your session for:
• Professional portfolio and website
• Social media marketing (Instagram, Facebook)
• Professional case studies and publications
• Advertising and promotional materials
Images used for these purposes are credited to Little Smiles / Daniel Vayman. You may opt-out of portfolio/marketing use by requesting in writing at the time of booking. Portfolio opt-out does not affect your personal license to use images.
Digital Files & Formats
Images are delivered as high-resolution JPEG files (typically 4000x6000px or similar) suitable for printing up to 12x18". RAW files are the photographer's working files and are not typically provided. If RAW files are requested, an additional fee applies and a separate agreement is required.
Image Modifications & Watermarks
Your license allows minor personal modifications (cropping, filters for social media). You may NOT:
• Remove watermarks or copyright notices
• Use professional editing software to alter the photographer's creative work
• Alter faces or body proportions in misleading ways
• Use AI upscaling/enhancement services
Significant modifications require photographer approval.
Third-Party (Gift) Copies
You may order printed or digital copies for family members, godparents, and close friends as gifts. These gift copies are for personal use only by the recipient and do not grant additional commercial rights. Gift recipients may optionally request an artist-signed print at standard rates.
Data Retention & Archival
The photographer maintains backup copies of session images for a minimum of 2 years after delivery (for loss/damage claims). After 2 years, images may be deleted unless you request extended archival. For long-term preservation, maintain your own copies.
Enforcement & Legal Rights
Misuse of images (unauthorized commercial use, copyright infringement) is taken seriously. Unauthorized commercial use may result in legal action and damages claims. The photographer reserves the right to issue DMCA takedown notices and pursue copyright infringement claims.
Changes to This Agreement
This Image Rights Agreement may be updated. Your continued use of images implies acceptance of current terms. Material changes will be communicated via email.
Common Questions
Can I print my images at a professional lab?
Yes! Your license includes printing at any professional lab (WhiteWall, Saal Digital, local printers, etc.) for personal use.
Can I share photos on Instagram?
Yes, for personal, non-commercial use. You may not use images for sponsored posts, brand partnerships, or influencer content without commercial licensing.
Can I sell prints to friends?
No. Selling prints (even at cost) requires commercial licensing. You may give printed copies as gifts.
Can I edit my photos?
Minor edits (crop, saturation, basic filters) are fine. Professional retouching or major alterations require approval.
Can I use images in a book I'm writing?
If the book is for personal distribution, yes. If published commercially, you need a commercial license.
Questions about image rights? Email contact@littlesmiles.ch