What photographers in India should know before going online
Photography has no licensing regime in India, but copyright matters. Under the Copyright Act, when a photograph is commissioned for payment, the client is generally treated as the first owner unless a written agreement says otherwise, so your contract should say who owns the images and that you may use them in your portfolio. Drone coverage needs the drone to be registered and, for most sizes, a certified remote pilot under the government’s drone rules, so only advertise it if you comply. Wedding clients in India often find photographers through Instagram, Google Maps and referrals from planners, decorators and makeup artists. They check reviews, full albums and whether you know regional rituals. Mention languages and communities you have covered, since families value a team that understands the ceremonies.
Common website mistakes photographers make
- Showing only the best twenty frames from many weddings. Clients worry about consistency, so include at least one full event gallery that shows ordinary moments handled well.
- Hiding prices completely and getting flooded with enquiries far below your range. Publish a starting price or package range in ₹ and explain what changes it.
- Posting client photos without consent, especially of brides, children or private rituals. Get written permission in your contract and remove images promptly if a family asks.
- Uploading full-resolution originals that slow the site and are easy to misuse. Export web-sized files with sensible compression and keep originals for paying clients.
- Leaving usage rights vague for commercial shoots. State whether the fee covers website, social media, print or advertising use, and how long the licence lasts.