Copyright Policy

Last updated: April 2026

This Copyright Policy explains ownership, usage rights, and permitted use of images created by Southern Exposure Photography (SEP).

By booking a session or purchasing images from SEP, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Copyright Ownership

All photographs, digital files, and visual content created by Southern Exposure Photography remain the copyright property of SEP, in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).

Copyright is not transferred to clients under any circumstances unless agreed in writing.

2. Client Usage Rights

Clients who purchase digital images are granted a licence for personal and commercial use of their purchased images.

This licence includes the right to:

  • Print images for personal use

  • Share images on social media and online platforms

  • Use images for personal or business websites

  • Use images for marketing, promotional, or editorial purposes related to the client’s own business or brand

Commercial use does not include resale, sublicensing, or third-party distribution.

Usage rights are granted indefinitely.

3. Permitted Use

Clients may:

  • Print images at labs of their choosing

  • Resize or crop images for display

  • Share images online

When sharing images publicly, credit to SEP is appreciated but not required.

4. Restrictions On Use

Images must not be:

  • Resold, licensed, or redistributed to third parties

  • Submitted to stock image libraries

  • Used for resale, merchandise, or commercial licensing without written approval

  • Heavily edited, filtered, or manipulated in a way that misrepresents SEP’s work

  • Used in a misleading, defamatory, or unlawful context

  • Used to imply endorsement by SEP without written consent

SEP reserves the right to request removal of images if they are used inappropriately.

5. Editing & Image Style

The editing style, colour grading, and artistic interpretation of images form part of SEP’s creative service.

Clients may request RAW image files for an additional flat fee of $450, subject to availability and approval. RAW files are supplied without further editing or retouching.

Further minor re-edits will be considered upon request at SEP’s discretion.

6. Image Storage & Backup

SEP does not guarantee long-term storage of image files.

While SEP maintains working archives and typically retains image files for approximately 1–3 years, this timeframe is not guaranteed and may vary due to storage limitations or operational requirements.

Once images have been delivered, clients are solely responsible for backing up and safely storing their purchased files. SEP is not liable for loss of images due to client-side data loss, device failure, or accidental deletion.

For digital deliveries, SEP guarantees access to download files for 14 days from the date of delivery. After this period, files may be removed from our systems without notice.

Requests to re-upload or retrieve archived images after delivery may not be possible and, where available, may incur an additional fee.

7. Use of Images by SEP

SEP will only use client images for promotional or marketing purposes with explicit consent.

Consent is obtained via a checkbox during the booking process or with explicit written or verbal permission. By selecting this option, the client confirms they have the authority to provide consent on behalf of all individuals photographed. For images including anyone under 18, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian.

Providing consent is completely optional and has no impact on the service provided.

Consent may be withdrawn at any time by contacting SEP in writing. SEP will make reasonable efforts to remove images from future promotional use but cannot guarantee recall or removal of materials already published or distributed.

8. Third-Party Use

Clients are responsible for ensuring any third parties (such as designers, printers, or publishers) comply with this Copyright Policy.

SEP is not responsible for misuse of images by third parties once files have been delivered to the client.

9. Breach of Copyright

Unauthorised reproduction, resale, licensing, or misuse of images may constitute a breach of copyright law.

SEP reserves the right to enforce its copyright and seek appropriate remedies where necessary.

10. Question or Permissions

If you require clarification on image usage or wish to request permissions outside the scope of this policy, please contact hello@sephoto.com.au