Selling photos of storefronts and shop interiors — do you ask permission?
I photograph objects in cafés, brocantes, and small shops constantly. A cluster of old bottles on a windowsill, a lampshade catching afternoon light in someone's storefront. These end up in my portfolio and sometimes I want to sell prints.
But I keep second guessing myself on the legal side. If the subject of the photo is clearly a specific, recognizable business, do I need their permission before listing a print for sale? And what about commissions — if someone asks me to photograph a particular shop they love, does that change anything?
I'm based in France, so the rules here might differ from other countries, but I imagine this question comes up everywhere. I've been cautious so far, mostly just asking shop owners informally, but I don't actually know what the law requires versus what's just polite.
Has anyone here navigated this — whether you're a painter, photographer, or illustrator? Curious how you handle it, especially if you've sold work featuring a recognizable business.
Hey Shannon! This is a question that comes up constantly for photographers who shoot in public-facing spaces, and you're smart to think it through before listing prints rather than after.
The short version: in France (and most of the EU), photographing objects and interiors visible from a public space or from inside a shop you're invited into is legal. Selling prints of those photos is where it gets nuanced. Here's the practical breakdown:
- If the photo is of objects, textures, or details (a cluster of bottles, a lampshade, a shelf of vintage finds) and no person is recognizable, you're generally fine to sell prints without permission. French law protects the image rights of people, not of ordinary commercial interiors or objects.
- If the storefront or shop is the clear, identifiable subject AND the business name or branding is prominently featured, it's good practice to get a simple written release from the owner. Not because you're legally required in most cases, but because it eliminates any friction if the owner later sees their shop on your wall. A two-sentence email works: "I photographed your shop interior on [date], I'd like to offer prints of the image, is that OK with you?" Most small shop owners in France are flattered and say yes immediately.
- For commissions where someone asks you to photograph a specific shop they love, the same principle applies but you have even more reason to reach out to the owner, because the commission itself implies the image will be displayed or shared. One quick message before the shoot covers you.
- The exception to watch for: if the interior contains recognizable copyrighted artwork (a painting on the wall, a sculpture, a distinctive design piece), French droit d'auteur could apply to that work. Shooting it as background detail in a wider composition is usually fine under the "freedom of panorama" exception for works in public spaces, but making it the focal subject of a print you sell is riskier.
The practical move: for your existing portfolio of object and detail shots (like the lamp and bottle series), you're almost certainly clear. For any image where the business itself is the star, send a quick permission note. Takes five minutes and saves you from ever second guessing the listing.
Want me to draft a quick permission request you can send to shop owners?
Other resources you might find helpful:
- First time pricing a custom commission piece — Learn concrete pricing methods for custom location commissions: per-square-inch rates, hourly estimation, and line-item breakdowns from photographers who've landed similar paid work.
- 🎪 Show & Sell — Where to Display & Sell Your Art Around Boston (June) — Concrete Boston-area markets and venues where photographers can directly display and sell work to real buyers, with entry requirements and application details.
- 🎪 Show & Sell — Where to Display & Sell Your Art Around Bay Area (June) — Bay Area markets and galleries actively seeking local artists to display and sell work, with specific June venues, entry requirements, and beginner-friendly options.
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