Last updated: September 30, 2026

Your photographs are yours to keep, print, and share. The copyright stays with me. Here is what that means in plain language.

Who owns the images

I own the copyright to every image I make, as US law provides by default. When you hire MDKauffmann Photography, you receive a license to use your photographs for personal use. That license is what this page explains.

What you can do

• Print them anywhere you like. Personal use, up to 11×14. Standard lab trimming to fit a print size is fine.
• Share them freely. Social media, a wedding website, group chats, email to family and friends.
• Keep and display them. Frame them, put them in a book, hang them on your wall.

For anything larger than 11×14, and for albums and wall art, talk to me. Those pieces are made to last, and I would rather they be made right.

What you cannot do

• No edits, filters, or alterations. Share the images as I deliver them.
• No commercial use unless I say otherwise in writing. That means no selling the images, and no using them to advertise or promote a business or product.

If a vendor asks for your photos

Venues, planners, florists, and other vendors sometimes ask to use wedding photographs. They need my written permission first, and I am happy to talk with them.

Here is the thing. Some vendor contracts include language giving the vendor rights to photographs of your event. You cannot hand over rights to images you do not own, and that language does not give a vendor rights to mine. If a vendor asks you to agree to that, send them my way.

How I use your images

I may use images from your wedding in my portfolio, on my website and social media, and in my marketing. If you would rather I did not, tell me and I will leave your images out. You can email me at any time at matthew@mdkauffmann.com, or put it in writing in your contract.

Your contract comes first

This page summarizes how I handle copyright and usage. If your signed contract says something different, your contract controls.

Questions? Start a conversation or email matthew@mdkauffmann.com.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns my wedding photos?

I own the copyright. You receive a license to use your photographs for personal use.

Can I print my photos anywhere?

Yes, for personal use, up to 11×14. For larger prints, albums, and wall art, talk to me.

Can I post them on social media?

Yes. Share them freely, as delivered.

Can I use a filter or edit my photos?

No. Please share the images as I deliver them.

Can my florist or venue use my photos?

Only with my written permission. Send any request my way.

Do you use my photos for your own marketing?

Yes, unless you tell me you would rather I did not.

Can I use my photos for my business?

Not without my written permission. Commercial use needs its own agreement.