Ownership of creative work can be a confusing topic, and I'd rather be clear about it upfront than have it become a point of friction later. This page explains the default position on every project, what you receive as a client, what I retain, and how any of that can be adjusted through your contract.
What I Own by Default
By default, I retain ownership of all raw materials, source files, and underlying assets I produce or license in the course of a project. This includes things like unedited footage, raw photo files, design source files, and any licensed elements incorporated into the work. Ownership of these materials stays with me unless we explicitly agree otherwise in writing.
This is standard practice in creative industries, and it protects both of us. It means I can stand behind the quality of everything I produce, and it gives us both a clear starting point for any conversations about expanded rights.
What You Receive
What you receive depends on what we agree to in your contract. In most cases, you receive the right to use the final deliverables for the purposes we discussed, whether that's publishing a website, distributing a course, using photos for your marketing, or sharing a video. That right is real and it's yours to use.
In some cases, full ownership or a broader transfer of rights makes sense for a project. That's always on the table as a conversation. If owning the source files or having full rights to the underlying work is important to you, bring it up early and we'll build it into the scope.
Raw Files and Source Materials
Raw files and source materials are not included in a standard project delivery, but they can be made available by negotiation. This might mean unedited photos, original design files, or project source packages depending on the type of work. If you think you'll want these, mention it during pre-production. Adding them after delivery is more complicated.
Portfolio and Advertising Use
Unless we agree otherwise, I reserve the right to include completed work in my portfolio and to use it in my own marketing and advertising materials. This is how I show prospective clients what I'm capable of, and it's a standard part of working with any creative professional.
If your project involves sensitive or confidential subject matter and you'd prefer it not appear in my portfolio, just let me know. I'm happy to discuss it, and we can include a confidentiality provision in your contract if needed.
The One Thing I Won't Do
Regardless of what any contract says, I will not take work produced specifically for you and resell it to another client. If I shoot photos for your business, develop a course for your organization, or build a website for your brand, those deliverables are yours. Another client will not receive the same work. Every project I take on is built for the client it's built for.
Subcontractors
On some projects I work with subcontractors, and the ownership of their contributions is governed by the agreements I have with them. In practice, this means the materials they produce flow into your deliverables the same way my own work does. If subcontractor involvement raises specific questions about rights or attribution for your project, bring it up and I'll give you a straight answer about how it's structured.
When in Doubt, Ask
Ownership and rights aren't one-size-fits-all, and the right answer depends on your situation. If you have specific needs around how work is licensed, who holds rights, or what happens to materials after the project closes, raise them before we finalize your contract. That's the right time to sort it out, and I'm always willing to have that conversation.