I've seen a few threads referring to this, but nothing specifically about it...

So as I have been using Flickr more I've started getting companies requesting photo usage for websites, brochures, etc. I've been responding yes, but saying that since they are commercial and not a NGO or non-profit that I would charge a fee. I haven't heard back after that I'm assuming most are just looking to get free stock photos.

I was just curious what others do and what other people have charged.

 

I have pretty much the same philosophy and have had the same experience.

The one exception for me are local blogs which I feel provide value to me, so when they want to use photos it's fine with me as a way to give back.

 

I'm with you, leftride. I wish more people would value their work. The only time I've heard back after asking for money was from Nat Geo. As you said, most are just looking for freebies.

 

Something I've grappled with many times, precisely that. You can tell someone what you think you should be getting for your work, and then you may never hear back from them again. Or, you could give it to them for free and ask them to put in a website link etc, and maybe from that you *might* get some other opportunity. Which is the better scenario? Lately I've been assessing it based on my time and effort. And another thing that's helped me is asking myself the question: "Am I planning on doing anything with this photo?" If I can agree to myself that the photo is not something I want to "go somewhere" with, I don't have a problem giving it to someone. If I think the photo is going to just sit on my hard drive doing nothing, I will engage the prospect. This might be the "wrong" attitude from a classical viewpoint but in 2011, I think it's becoming a question of whether you want your work seen, by anyone. Things are moving too damn fast, if you don't move along with the rest of the world, you are left behind. And the rest of the world is PROLIFERATED with photos and media. I had a valuable experience last week, I'll share it later today when I have more time.

 

I have never been asked...so people either hate my shit, or just steal it

 

yeah, I'm guess there is a balance between getting your stuff out there and being compensated for the work you put into it. I'd definitely like my stuff out there, but as I said and you guys seem to agree not if it's just feeding some companies stock photo archives for free. I guess I'll keep with my same response and hopefully end up famous like wndrlst, that NatGeo story was great.

Sarlacc, I only started getting requests once I started posting travel photos from around the world, I assume that had something to do with it.

 

Famous..ha!


I've had other approaches - Sunsail asked to use some images from my bareboat cruise in the BVI for their website, etc. I'm of the school that believes the web designer gets paid, the copy writer gets paid, the marketing people get paid..why does the photographer work for free? I do understand the urge to get it out there, but the industry is failing. Big time. A big part of that is work being given away for free or for pennies on the dollar compared to prices even 10 years ago. I have real bills to pay and until my mortgage company starts accepting photo credit as legal tender, I can't afford to give my work away.

I'm not saying I never have or will give things away. As einsatz mentioned, I believe there's more value in giving locally because you're more likely to get return on it. It's industry standard to give images to horse show coordinators to promote more shows. There's value there, and the industry has promoted itself that way for decades without harm, so I'm on board with that. I also donate images and/or sessions to charities I support.

 

Unfortunately, this seems to be the way everything is going in todays society. I have a hard time selling equipment to my potential clients (home theater, audio, etc) because they can get it all themselves online or in big box stores for less then I can through my own distributors or direct. While the whole world is happy about the deflated prices, it seriously hurt my ability to make a decent living.

Also, I don't remember seeing anything about the article with Nat Geo. If there is a link, I would love to check it out.

 

The Nat Geo thing was just one image published in their Traveler magazine last spring. I didn't make a thread, but I posted it somewhere..can't remember where!

Basically, I was contacted last winter for permission to use a photo they found on Flickr. She mentioned photo credit, but no pay. I thought it was a scam..Nat Geo - really?? Despite being terrified I was screwing my chance of being published nationally by the one organization I really gave a damn about and never DREAMED would even know I existed, I wrote back asking what their pay rate was. They sent me a contract and said their standard for the proposed usage was $200 - payable on publication.

When the issue with my image was published, I bought a copy every time I ran across it in a bookstore or grocery store. I think I have 5.

Then I promptly forgot about it until my CPA commented on the 1099.."Royalties from National Geographic? " Heh.

 

Okay, I lied..I totally made a thread. Have I mentioned I'm forgetful??

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...nal+geographic

 

Any thoughts on an agreement for this?

There is a legal organization in AZ that provides legal services to low income people, etc and they asked if they could use a few of my photos on their soon to be released updated website slider, highlighting Arizona and the Desert.

I am happy to donate the work at no cost as I think they are very good organization and deserving of it, but I am not sure how to approach an actual agreement for use. They are offering attribution, which IMO is mandatory if I am donating them, but should I also get a non-exclusive rights agreement from them so if someone wanted to offer me a billion dollars for one of the pics (yeah right, but...) I wold be able to still sell it? What about me printing it for personal use or using it in a different commercial venture down the road?

 

I think you're overthinking it... just give them a low-res image that fits their needs and let them know attribution is required and that you retain the copyright. I think non-exclusivity is implied, but it might be worth clarifying that they're not approved to reuse beyond what they've agreed to without your approval.

 

Is Wndr still famous?

 

 

I agree with einsatz - you're generously licensing the image to them, but copyright remains yours, so further use on your end isn't an issue. If you want to have them sign something acknowledging that it's a one time use for the stated purpose, and any additional usage will be subject to new terms, that may not be a bad idea. It depends on whether or not you care what else they do with it.

Shit, son. Don't you know who I am?

 

OK, thanks guys!