Licensing FAQ
Commercial Licensing FAQ
Everything you need to know about what's included in a standard session, pricing, and when you need a license.
Commercial Use Requires a License
Standard headshot session pricing does not automatically include broad commercial marketing usage. Commercial, advertising, and promotional use may require the appropriate marketing license depending on scope and usage. Clients should confirm licensing needs before using images in paid or broad commercial campaigns.
What are the commercial licensing subscription prices?
There are three marketing license tiers: Local Marketing License at $39/month or $390/year — Regional Advertising License at $79/month or $790/year — Unlimited Commercial License at $149/month or $1,490/year. Annual billing saves approximately $78–$298 depending on tier.
What does a standard headshot session include for usage rights?
Every Chris Headshots session includes standard professional personal use rights: your personal website, LinkedIn profile, email signature, organic social media posts, press bio, and internal corporate directory. This covers the vast majority of everyday professional use.
When do I need a marketing license?
You need a marketing license when your images will be used for paid advertising, promotional campaigns, printed marketing materials at scale, outdoor advertising, company-wide marketing use, or any commercial promotion where the image drives business revenue. Standard session rights do not automatically include these uses.
Which license tier is right for me?
Local Marketing License ($39/mo) — best for solo professionals, local promotion, and basic business collateral. Regional Advertising License ($79/mo) — best for active professionals running paid ads, broader campaigns, or multi-market promotion. Unlimited Commercial License ($149/mo) — best for broad commercial use across all channels, company-wide marketing, or high-volume campaigns.
Can I use my headshot in Facebook or Instagram ads?
Paid social advertising with regional reach requires at minimum a Regional Advertising License at $79/month or $790/year. Local paid advertising may be covered under the Local Marketing License. Running ads with images you don't have proper licensing for exceeds standard session usage rights.
Can my brokerage or company use my headshot in their marketing?
If your company wants to use your image in their marketing campaigns or company-branded materials, this falls under commercial use and requires an Unlimited Commercial License or higher. Individual standard use rights apply only to your personal marketing channels.
Does my marketing license expire?
Yes. All licenses are issued on a subscription basis — monthly or annual. Annual subscriptions are paid in full for the year. Renewal is straightforward. Using images past the license term is outside the agreed usage rights.
Is annual billing worth it?
Annual billing saves: Local License $78/year — Regional License $158/year — Unlimited License $298/year. If you plan to use your images in marketing for a full year, annual billing makes sense financially.
Can I upgrade my license tier?
Yes. If your marketing scope expands — for example, you add outdoor advertising or company-wide use — you can upgrade to a higher tier. Contact us and we'll adjust your subscription accordingly.
What if I've already been using my image commercially without a license?
We handle these situations professionally and without judgment. Reach out through our licensing contact form and we can discuss a retroactive license arrangement. Getting properly licensed protects both your brand and ours.
Do membership subscribers need a separate marketing license?
Membership image usage rights are active during the membership period and cover standard professional use. For broad commercial advertising use — paid ads, print campaigns, outdoor — a Marketing License subscription is still required. Membership clients receive a discounted rate on marketing licenses. Corporate Tier 2 includes a commercial license.
Have a specific licensing question?
Every marketing situation is different. If your use case isn't addressed here, we're happy to discuss it directly and confirm what's needed. Tier pricing starts at $39/month.
Get Licensed
Ready to License Your Images Properly?
Local Marketing License from $39/mo · Regional Advertising from $79/mo · Unlimited Commercial from $149/mo. Tell us your use case and we'll confirm the right tier.
