Support Creatives, One Credit at a Time

We live in a visual world—scrolling, liking, sharing, and re-posting images at breakneck speed. But behind every photo is a human being: someone who noticed the light, framed the scene, adjusted settings, waited for the right moment, and poured both heart and skill into capturing it. Too often, that photographer’s name gets left behind.

Crediting a photographer isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a meaningful act that supports creativity, protects rights, and builds a more respectful and sustainable creative industry. Photography—especially when done professionally—is an art form. Just like you wouldn’t quote a writer or share an artist’s work without acknowledgment, photos deserve the same courtesy. Crediting a photographer honours not just the final image, but the time, training, and vision behind it. It’s an act of respect for the human effort that made the photo possible.¹

There’s also a legal dimension. Under Canadian and international copyright law, photographs are automatically protected the moment they’re created.² While giving credit isn’t a substitute for getting permission (that’s a separate step), failing to attribute a photo can blur the lines of ownership—and in some cases, even amount to a violation of copyright.³ Even if you hire a professional photographer for a wedding, event, or portrait session, they still retain copyright and the moral right to be credited—unless a written contract explicitly states otherwise.⁴

Crediting doesn’t just protect—it promotes. In a digital landscape where visibility is currency, a simple tag or mention can lead to real opportunities. From landing new clients, to being discovered by publications, to expanding networks, photographers often rely on credited work to grow their business. That @mention might feel small, but it could be the spark that leads to their next big gig.⁵

It also builds a healthier creative ecosystem. Recognizing the people behind the images fosters a culture of respect and appreciation. Photographers feel valued, seen, and motivated to keep creating. This is especially true in niche communities—like equestrian photography—where word-of-mouth, tags, and online presence can make or break a photographer’s livelihood.

In a world where images are endlessly saved, shared, and manipulated, attaching the photographer’s name provides clarity. It establishes the photo’s origin, reduces confusion about ownership, and prevents misrepresentation.⁶ When individuals, brands, and businesses consistently credit photographers, they set a professional standard. It shows they take content creation seriously and operate with integrity.⁷

As AI tools and filters become more accessible, the line between original and altered work grows blurrier. Proper credit helps maintain a traceable link to the original creator, ensuring their work isn’t distorted, taken out of context, or erased.⁸

The next time you share an image—whether from a portrait session, a horse show, or a styled shoot—take a moment to add credit. It’s as simple as:

📸 Birgit Berghofer – Equine Images
or
Photo by @bb.equine.photo

A few words make a big difference. They say, “I see you. Your work matters.”

So let’s keep the credit flowing. Have you ever forgotten to credit a photo, or been surprised to learn how important it is? What do you think is the best way to raise awareness about attribution online? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag someone whose work you admire and want to shout out.

1. American Society of Media Photographers. (n.d.). Why You Should Always Credit a Photographer. Retrieved from asmp.org
2. Government of Canada. (2021). A guide to copyright. Retrieved from ised-isde.canada.ca
3. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2020). Copyright Basics. Retrieved from wipo.int
4. PhotoShelter. (2019). The Importance of Photo Credits. Retrieved from photoshelter.com
5. Arts Law Centre of Australia. (2022). Moral Rights and Attribution. Retrieved from artslaw.com.au
6. PetaPixel. (2017). The Etiquette of Giving Credit Where It’s Due. Retrieved from petapixel.com
7. NPPA (National Press Photographers Association). (2021). Best Practices for Image Attribution in the Digital Age. Retrieved from nppa.org
8. Adapted from industry commentary on copyright and AI ethics

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