You finally get your images back and one of them is almost perfect. A quick filter, a little smoothing, maybe a tighter crop. It feels harmless, and it's one of the fastest ways to lose a photographer's goodwill.
The images belong to the photographer
On almost every shoot, the photographer owns the copyright. As the model, you don't own the images, even when you're the subject. You're usually allowed to share them with credit, in the form they were delivered.
Changing the image changes their work and puts it out under their name. Most photographers will notice, and many won't book you again.
What counts as editing
Adding a filter or changing the colour grade
Face or body tuning apps
Cropping out their watermark or changing the framing
Removing or adding anything in the frame
Screenshotting a preview and posting it
It hurts you with clients too
Clients book from your portfolio expecting to see that person at the casting. Heavily edited photos set a standard you can't meet in real life, and that's an awkward day for everyone.
What you can do
Post the image exactly as delivered and tag the photographer and the team. If you want a different edit, ask the photographer, and accept their answer either way. If you're a House of Wild model and you're unsure, check with us before you post.
Credit the whole team
Tag the photographer, makeup artist, stylist and agency on every post. It's good manners, it builds relationships, and it helps the people who made you look great find more work.
Keep reading: But I Heard I Should Never Do Modeling for Free · Call Sheets, Call Times and Why Late Costs You · Apply to House of Wild
