If you are a professional photographer, chances are good that you have already been required to get a photography policy for your business. The same is true if you own a store or if you own a gallery that exhibits photography. While most photographers are familiar with the policies in place, there are other things that should be addressed before buying an insurance plan for your business-owned gallery. Here's what you should know about photography policies.
First off, a photographer should keep in mind that both photography copyright and photography insurance are two completely separate things. There are many people who mistakenly believe that if they do not have a photography policy, then they have no legal protection against infringement claims of someone else's copyright. In actuality, photography insurance policies are very specific about what is covered under them. When it comes to photography copyright, the policies that are most common are those that deal with the reproduction of photographs in film, prints, and electronic media. In order to make sure that the photograph itself is protected by copyright, the policy will state that you cannot modify the photo without permission.
Another important consideration when it comes to policies is the issue of physical damage. Many companies that offer photography insurance often require their clients to pay the same amount on all photography-related claims as well as any equipment and supplies that they may need for the project. While this might seem like a great deal, it could actually end up costing the photographer more money in the long run. For example, some companies will require that the photographer to provide a copy of the digital image, along with all other records relating to the project, such as blueprints, photos, and so forth. While this does help ensure that any damaged work will not show up on an auction house's website, the policy might still allow for compensation if the photographer does not have all the copies of the image he or she is supposed to. For this reason, it's important that you check with your insurance company before purchasing an insurance plan to see if they will allow for additional copies of any work you may need for your project.