Form & Light Studio — Frequently Asked Questions
PRICING
How is your pricing structured?
Our pricing is based on two components: a Creative Fee and a Post-Production Fee.
Creative Fee
This reflects the time, expertise, and planning required to deliver the project. It includes client consultation, site visits, project preparation, and the photographic production itself.
The Creative Fee includes a perpetual (ongoing), non-exclusive, non-transferable licence for agreed uses, as outlined below.
Post-Production Fee
Post-production is an integral part of our process and often matches or exceeds the time spent on site. This includes colour grading, retouching, compositing (where required), and preparation of final master files for delivery.
A detailed estimate or rate guide can be provided upon request.
What is cost sharing?
Cost sharing allows multiple stakeholders in a project to benefit from the same body of work.
For projects involving multiple parties (such as architects, builders, consultants, or suppliers), approved parties may be included within a single licensing structure.
The principal client listed on the invoice is responsible for the full project cost, including all fees associated with participating parties.
The principal client is responsible for recovering contributions from those parties.
Each participating party listed on the invoice receives licensed usage rights in accordance with the agreement.
Do you offer discounts?
Our pricing reflects the level of care, planning, and production required to deliver consistent, high-quality architectural imagery.
Where appropriate, efficiencies can be achieved by photographing multiple locations or projects within a single commission.
LICENSING & USAGE
Who owns the copyright in the images?
All images created by Form & Light Studio are protected under the Copyright Act 1968.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
Form & Light Studio retains full copyright ownership of all images.
Clients are granted a licence to use the images, rather than ownership of the images.
What licence is included?
Our standard licence includes:
Duration: Perpetual (ongoing), for the benefit of the original licensed parties
Territory: Global
Type: Non-exclusive, non-transferable
Permitted uses include:
Editorial
Trade and industry publications
Corporate collateral (including brochures and presentations)
Websites and digital platforms
Social media
Professional awards and competitions
Trade show and exhibition display
Internal and wall display
The licence applies to:
The principal client, and
Any additional parties listed on the original invoice.
Are there any restrictions on use?
Yes. Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
The licence is non-transferable and does not permit sublicensing, resale, assignment, or distribution to third parties.
Third parties may not rely on the licence granted to the principal client.
Images must not be used in a way that is misleading, deceptive, defamatory, or otherwise unlawful.
Images must not be altered in a manner that materially changes the intent or integrity of the work without prior written consent.
Can third parties use the images?
Yes, however:
Third parties not included on the original invoice must obtain a separate licence from Form & Light Studio.
Once licensed, third parties may use the images in accordance with their agreed licence terms.
Can the licence be expanded?
Yes. Licence terms (including additional parties, extended usage, or expanded scope) may be varied at any time by agreement, subject to an additional fee.
How can I license images from another project?
If you wish to license images from a project we have previously photographed, please contact us with the relevant details. We will provide a licensing proposal and access upon agreement.
Is attribution required?
Attribution to Form & Light Studio is required where reasonably practicable, in accordance with the photographer’s moral rights under the Copyright Act 1968, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Can I use the images on social media?
Yes. Social media usage is included within the standard licence for its duration.
We request that appropriate credit is provided where reasonably practicable.
GENERAL
Do you travel for projects?
Yes. We undertake commissions across Australia.
Maintaining consistency in visual language across projects is often valuable for architectural practices and developers, and we support ongoing collaborations across locations.
What equipment do you use?
We use high-resolution medium format systems and professional lighting equipment selected to suit each project. Our approach prioritises precision, tonal accuracy, and faithful representation of architectural intent.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE
Do your services comply with Australian Consumer Law?
Yes. Our services are provided in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law.
Our services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law, including that services will be provided with due care and skill and be reasonably fit for purpose.
Nothing in our terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies you may have under Australian Consumer Law.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, Form & Light Studio’s liability is limited (at our option) to the resupply of services or the reasonable cost of having the services supplied again.
PORTFOLIO USE
Form & Light Studio retains the right to use all images for portfolio, marketing, editorial, and promotional purposes (including website, publications, and awards), unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Closing Note
Form & Light Studio approaches each project as a considered collaboration—balancing light, form, and intent to produce enduring architectural imagery with clarity, precision, and integrity.
