By Kineta Knight Booker
As celebrants, we are fortunate to stand at the heart of some of life’s most precious moments. Weddings, vow renewals, baby namings, and memorials - each ceremony we craft is a deeply personal milestone, often captured in time by the ever-present lens of a professional photographer.
But in the excitement of sharing these beautiful images on social media, our websites, or in blog posts, it's easy to forget a crucial detail: giving credit where credit is due.
Why it’s important to credit photographers:
It’s more than basic professional courtesy
In New Zealand, all photographs taken are the sole copyright of the photographer. It doesn't matter if a photog has been brought in for a professional shoot or there as a hobbyist. Photos always remain the property of the photographer.
If you can't remember the name of the photographer, or have permission to use their photos, do not use. Ever.
Photographers are artists. They spend hours - if not days - perfecting their work, from composition and lighting to editing and delivery. When we share their images without credit, we unintentionally overlook the effort and expertise that went into creating them. We are also breaching their copyright.
It acknowledges creative ownership
Just as our words are our own intellectual property, a photograph is the legal and creative property of the person who took it. By tagging or naming the photographer, we're not only being respectful - we're protecting ourselves from potential copyright issues.
It builds trust and collaboration
Celebrants and photographers often work together multiple times throughout a season. Crediting a photographer helps nurture that professional relationship. It shows you value their work, and in return, they're more likely to recommend you to couples or happily share their shots of you in action.
It enhances your own brand
Tagging or crediting photographers elevates your professionalism. It signals that you are ethical, respectful, and collaborative - a dream team player in the wedding industry. Plus, a well-tagged post is often reshared by the photographer, expanding your reach and visibility online.
It supports the wedding community
We’re all in this together. The celebrant, the photographer, the florist, the stylist - each of us plays a role in making a couple’s dream day come to life. Sharing the spotlight strengthens our industry and gives credit to the artistry all around us.
How to credit a photographer properly
On Instagram: Tag the photographer in the caption and in the photo itself.
On Facebook: Mention them in the caption using @ and their professional page.
On websites/blogs: Add a short line beneath the image or at the end of your post, such as: “Photography by [Photographer’s Name]" – [www.photographerwebsite.com]
Always ask permission before using an image - especially if it was supplied by a couple or another vendor. And never use an image that you've taken off Google, ever! You may find yourself having to pay for that lifted image years later. Just don't!
[Image: Evie Shaffer, Pexels]
