Copyright & Image Licensing Policy
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
This Copyright & Image Licensing Policy applies to all photographs, videos, and creative works produced by Holly Morchat doing business as Holly Morchat Creative (“we,” “us,” or “our”), whether displayed on www.hollymorchatcreative.com, delivered through client galleries, or otherwise provided in connection with our services.
This Policy supplements—but does not replace—any signed client agreement. In the event of a conflict, the client agreement shall control.
1. Copyright Ownership
All photographs, videos, digital files, previews, edits, and creative works created by Holly Morchat Creative are protected under United States copyright law.
Unless explicitly stated in a written agreement:
Holly Morchat Creative retains full and exclusive copyright ownership of all images.
Clients receive a limited usage license, not ownership of the images.
No copyright is transferred unless expressly agreed in writing.
2. Client Usage License
Clients are granted a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use delivered images for personal or internal business purposes only, depending on the type of session booked.
Unless otherwise stated in writing, this license allows clients to:
Download and store their images.
Print images for personal use.
Share images on personal social media accounts with proper credit (where applicable).
Use images for internal business marketing if commercial usage is included in the contract (e.g., branding or commercial sessions).
This license does NOT allow clients to transfer, sell, sublicense, or otherwise distribute images for commercial gain without written permission.
3. Prohibited Uses
Unless expressly authorized in writing, clients and third parties may NOT:
Claim authorship of any images created by Holly Morchat Creative.
Alter, edit, or manipulate images beyond standard cropping or filters (where permitted by contract).
Use images in advertising or commercial campaigns without a commercial license.
Sell or license images to third parties.
Submit images to stock photography websites.
Use images for merchandise, resale products, or promotional goods without permission.
Remove watermarks, metadata, or copyright notices.
Use images in any way that implies endorsement by Holly Morchat Creative.
4. Social Media Use
Clients are generally permitted to share delivered images on personal social media accounts, provided:
Images are not altered in a misleading or distorting manner.
Proper credit is given where requested or customary.
Images are not used in commercial advertising without authorization.
We reserve the right to share images on our own social media platforms unless a written opt-out agreement exists (as applicable under client contracts).
5. Portfolio and Marketing Usage
Holly Morchat Creative retains the right to use images created in the course of business for:
Website portfolio display
Social media marketing
Advertising campaigns
Printed marketing materials
Professional competitions
Editorial submissions
Industry publications
Educational or promotional purposes
Certain portrait clients may have the ability to opt out of portfolio usage if agreed upon in writing. Commercial, branding, sports, and event clients may be subject to separate contractual terms regarding usage rights.
6. Third-Party Use (Venues, Vendors, Publications)
Venues, vendors, planners, or third parties may not use images created by Holly Morchat Creative without obtaining a separate license or permission, unless such use is expressly permitted under a written agreement.
Requests for publication or vendor use should be directed to:
hello@hollymorchatcreative.com
7. Digital Files and Delivery
Delivered images are provided in digital format via online gallery (Pixieset or similar platform).
Clients are responsible for:
Downloading and securely backing up their images.
Maintaining copies after gallery expiration (if applicable).
Ensuring proper storage of digital files.
We are not responsible for lost or deleted files after delivery and expiration of gallery access.
8. AI, Machine Learning, and Data Training Restrictions
All images created by Holly Morchat Creative are expressly protected against unauthorized use in artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
Without prior written consent, no person or entity may:
Use images to train, fine-tune, or develop AI or machine learning models.
Use images in datasets for facial recognition, biometric analysis, or synthetic image generation.
Scrape, harvest, or compile images for algorithmic training purposes.
Use images in generative AI systems or style replication tools.
This restriction applies regardless of whether images are publicly accessible online.
9. Copyright Infringement
Unauthorized use of images may constitute copyright infringement under U.S. federal law.
We reserve the right to pursue all legal remedies available, including:
DMCA takedown notices
Requests for removal from websites or platforms
Licensing fees for unauthorized use
Legal action where necessary
10. Attribution
When credit is requested or customary, appropriate attribution should be given as:
Photography by Holly Morchat Creative
or similar wording agreed upon in writing.
11. Reservation of Rights
All rights not expressly granted in this Policy or in a written agreement are reserved by Holly Morchat Creative.
No waiver of rights shall be implied by publication or delivery of images.
12. Policy Updates
We may update this Copyright & Image Licensing Policy at any time without prior notice.
The “Effective Date” reflects the most recent version.
Continued use of our website or images constitutes acknowledgment of the updated Policy.
13. Contact Information
For licensing requests, usage permissions, or copyright inquiries:
Holly Morchat doing business as Holly Morchat Creative
Trophy Club, Texas, USA
Email: hello@hollymorchatcreative.com
Phone: (903) 707-7082