Identify the photograph
Include the entry title, image caption, and a clear description of the photograph you want to use.
Visual collection
Photo use information
Guidance for requesting permission to reproduce photographs from Mainean Encyclopedia in personal, educational, editorial, or commercial projects.
Before you request
Permission depends on the image and its credited source.
Photographs displayed by Mainean Encyclopedia may come from different sources and may carry different reuse conditions. An image credited to another photographer, archive, institution, or collection is not automatically available through this site.
For photographs controlled by Mainean Encyclopedia, permission may be considered according to the intended use, reproduction size, distribution, duration, and whether exclusive rights are requested.
Because older published rates may no longer reflect current availability or licensing conditions, this page does not present a fixed price table. Request current information before planning publication.
What to include
A complete image request
Providing practical details at the outset makes it easier to determine availability and the appropriate conditions of use.
Describe the project
State whether the use is personal, educational, editorial, exhibition, promotional, or commercial.
Give publication details
Explain the format, approximate reproduction size, distribution, territory, and intended publication date.
Specify the term
Note how long the image will remain in use and whether your request is non-exclusive or exclusive.
Request a file size
Tell us the required dimensions or resolution. A smaller file may be sufficient for screen or modest print use.
Allow review time
Do not reproduce or distribute an image until permission and any required credit wording are confirmed.
Use categories
How requests are considered
These distinctions help define the scope of permission. Final conditions depend on the specific photograph and project.
Personal and educational use
Private projects, classroom materials, and other limited non-commercial uses should still identify the image and describe where it will appear.
Commercial or promotional use
Advertising, product, marketing, and revenue-generating uses require a clear description of audience, distribution, placement, and duration.
Non-exclusive permission
Non-exclusive permission allows the same photograph to remain available for other approved uses during the agreed term.
Exclusive permission
Exclusive requests require separate review because they may restrict other uses of an image for a defined period, territory, or purpose.
Reduced-size files
When a full-resolution original is unnecessary, a reduced file may be supplied if available and suitable for the requested output.
Attribution
Approved uses must display the credit wording supplied with the permission. Attribution does not replace the need for authorization.
How we work
From inquiry to approved use
A straightforward review protects the photographer, the collection, and the person publishing the image.
1
Send the reference
Identify the photograph and explain your project by email.
2
Confirm rights
We check whether the image is controlled here or credited elsewhere.
3
Review the scope
File size, format, audience, territory, duration, and exclusivity are considered.
4
Receive terms
If available, you receive written conditions and required attribution before use.
Image inquiry
Start with the photograph and your intended use.
Send enough detail to identify the image and assess the request. Current availability and conditions will be confirmed in response; permission should not be assumed from the image’s appearance on the site.
Email Mainean Encyclopedia
FAQ
Photograph permissions
Answers to common questions about credits, files, terms, and reuse.
May I use an image simply by adding a credit?
No. A credit identifies the source but does not by itself grant permission. Confirm the rights and conditions before reproducing an image.
Are all photographs on the site available?
No. Some photographs may be controlled by other photographers, archives, institutions, or collections. The credited rights holder must handle those requests.
Why is there no fixed rate table?
Availability and licensing terms can vary by photograph and project. Current information is provided after the intended use has been reviewed.
Can I request a smaller image file?
Yes. Include the dimensions or resolution you need. If a suitable source file is available, a reduced-size version may be considered.
What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive use?
Non-exclusive permission allows other approved uses of the same image. Exclusive permission may restrict defined uses for an agreed period, territory, or purpose and requires separate review.
Can I alter or crop a licensed photograph?
Describe any planned crop, overlay, color change, or other alteration in your request. Approval for reproduction does not automatically permit modification.
How do I begin a request?
Email the photograph reference, project type, format, distribution, duration, requested size, and intended publication date to info@maineanencyclopedia.com-html.com.