Can I sell a photo if I edit it?

 Yes, you can sell a photo that you’ve edited, but there are several important factors to consider to ensure you’re not violating any copyright or usage rights. Here's a breakdown of how to navigate selling edited photos:

### 1. **Ownership of the Original Photo**
   - **If You Took the Photo**: If you’re the original photographer, you own the copyright, and you have full control over how you use, edit, and sell the photo.
   - **If You Didn’t Take the Photo**: You need permission from the original photographer to sell the photo, even if you’ve edited it. Editing someone else’s photo does not grant you ownership over the image.

### 2. **Licensing and Permissions**
   - **Stock Photos**: If you’ve purchased or downloaded a stock photo with a proper license (e.g., from platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pixabay), you need to follow the terms of that license. For example:
     - **Royalty-Free License**: Allows you to use the photo for various purposes, but you typically **cannot** resell or redistribute the photo as your own, even after editing.
     - **Extended License**: Some platforms offer extended licenses that may allow more freedom, but reselling the photo in its original form or with minor edits may still be restricted.
   - **Creative Commons (CC) Licensed Photos**: Some photos are licensed under Creative Commons. You must follow the specific conditions of that license (e.g., attribution, non-commercial use, no derivatives).

### 3. **Editing a Photo Taken by Someone Else**
   If you are editing a photo that someone else took, you can only sell the edited version if you have:
   - **Written Permission or Agreement**: The original photographer must grant you permission to sell the edited version. In many cases, you’ll have to share the profits or give credit.
   - **Transfer of Copyright**: If the original photographer transfers the copyright to you (either through payment or agreement), you can then sell the photo freely.

### 4. **Public Domain Photos**
   - **Public Domain Photos**: If the photo is in the public domain (e.g., taken over 100 years ago or specifically released into the public domain), you are free to edit and sell the photo without restrictions.

### 5. **Transformative Use**
   If your editing is **highly transformative**, meaning the edits significantly change the original photo to the point that it becomes a new, original work, this might give you more leeway to sell it. However, this is a legal gray area, and it’s best to seek legal advice if you plan to pursue this route.

### 6. **Selling Edited Photos as Prints or Digital Art**
   - If you’ve **substantially transformed** the photo (e.g., by adding overlays, merging with other images, or creating a collage), you may be able to sell the final product as a unique work of art. This is common in the world of digital art and print-on-demand services.
   - However, if your edits are minimal (like color adjustments or cropping), you may not have enough originality to justify selling it as a new work unless you own the rights to the original photo.

### 7. **Client Photos**
   - **Work-for-Hire**: If you were hired to edit photos for a client, the ownership of the final edited image typically belongs to the client unless otherwise specified in a contract.
   - **Editing for Sale**: If you’re editing photos for clients with the intention of reselling the final versions (e.g., wedding photos, real estate photos), ensure there is a clear agreement regarding ownership, usage rights, and sales.

### 8. **Watermarking and Copyright Protection**
   When selling photos (edited or not), consider adding watermarks or copyright metadata to protect your work. You can also register your photos with the **U.S. Copyright Office** or similar bodies in other countries for added legal protection.

### Conclusion
Yes, you can sell an edited photo, but the legality depends on:
   - Whether you own the copyright to the original photo.
   - The type of license attached to the original image.
   - How much transformation the editing process involved.
   - The agreements in place if you’re working with someone else’s photo.

Always make sure you understand the licensing and copyright implications before selling edited images to avoid any legal issues.