Non-Usage Fee in Photography: What It Is and Why It Matters
Why I Charge a Non-Usage Fee
What does it cost me if I can’t share your images or videos —and why does that matter? all explained below.
What is a non-usage fee?
Also called a privacy or loss-of-opportunity fee.
If you prefer your images not be used publicly, I charge a fee (or require a higher minimum purchase) to offset lost marketing opportunities.
Why it exists
I plan every session into my marketing as soon as it’s booked. I’m not high volume—each session matters.
If I can’t use your images:
I lose content for social media, website, and blog
I can’t submit work to features or contests
I may need to create extra sessions just for content
My team and I have to redo planned marketing
This costs time, money, and future bookings.
How I use images
When you sign my contract, I will:
Share images on my website, blog, and social media
Submit to small industry features/contests
I do not:
Sell your images
License them to others without your permission
Privacy basics
No names, dates, or identifying info are attached
I post out of order (not tied to your session date)
I only tag clients if I ask explicitly
What does without faces mean?
Even with my non usage fee I will use images and videos where the session participants cannot be identified. Such as back of the head, hands, feet, ear, etc.
Rest assured that if eyes, or eyelashes appear in the images, they will not be used.
The fee
Flat fee: $250
Waived if you purchase the a compelte set of images
Must be requested before booking
If you tell me after booking, the fee will apply regardless—your session is already planned for marketing.
No discounts of ANY SORT can be used when you request my non usage fee, such as and not limited to: booking discounts, discount for skipping an order appointment, etc.
Special sessions
Holiday or mini sessions may require purchasing additional images if you opt out of usage.
How to avoid the fee
Talk to me first.
Often we can limit how images are used instead of blocking usage entirely.
Common concerns
Unflattering images posted
I only use images you’ve seen and I’m proud of.
Private social media = private images
Not automatically. Most clients still allow use.
Cultural or career privacy
We can often adjust what is shared (e.g., no parent images).
Website only, no social media / no contests
Usually fine—just tell me before booking.
Will my photos show up when I Google myself if I don’t apply the non-usage fee?
No.
Important
If you sign my contract, you’re agreeing to image use as outlined. Saying you didn’t read my contract doesn’t change that.
Final note
I respect your privacy—and my work. If we communicate early, we can almost always find a solution that works for both of us.
