newbie question

PLS · #1 01-28-2003, 03:22 PM

I am fairly new to this so this may seem like a stupid question buy how long does it take to get paid for a photo you sell to a publication? The sporting event was in May 2002, the magazine confirmed it would be using an image in November 2002 and it ran in the end of year issue Dec 2002. When would I expect to get paid?

JosephMander · #2 01-28-2003, 05:58 PM

plynn

I don't mean to sound condescending but this is a question that would have been better suited for the photo editor in November 2002 rather on the robgalbraith forum in January 2003. I learned this the hard way. I was so excited about getting an image published that i totally neglected the business side. Since then I have learned that if the image is good enough you don't have to avoid the payment conversation for fear of not getting published. Call them and ask for payment.

PJ_Heller · #3 01-28-2003, 07:45 PM

Also for plynn . . .

Sounds like you also need to get your business practices and paperwork in order. I'd start by reading EP at http://www.editorialphoto.com. There are sample contracts etc. there that you can use when selling your work that spell out terms for payment, conditions for use etc etc.

pjh

#4 02-01-2003, 10:40 PM

Hi Plynn,
None of the other responses even tried to answer your question, maybe I can. I work for two agencies, one pays me usually within 30 days and the other 30-45 days. my advice is call the editor or art director that bought your image and start rattling his wires for your money. If they balk or give you some other excuse remind them they called you about your image not the other way around. If it takes more than 90 days, at the absolute maximum, to get your money they are not a reputable client to deal with. Jettison them to your learning curve. The other posts did give one very good point of advice, go to the EP website. Join it and spend all your online time between Galbraith and EP.
Good Luck !!!

PLS · #5 02-03-2003, 11:59 AM

Thank you for all your responses. I will chalk this up to learning and know better for the future. I did call and was told they pay within 60 days of press date. I understand that it is 20% photography and 80% business. I'm working hard on getting better on the business end. Thanks again.

Color Canuck · #6 02-03-2003, 04:08 PM

(just can't stay out of this one...)

30, 60, 90 days: make sure you negotiate terms up front. Many publications purchase or expect artwork delivered weeks and/or months in advance. Knowing when to expect payment (or start nudging) can be the difference between eating out or chewing on your camera strap. I've eaten quite a few straps in my time...

;0)

Steven_Baron · #7 03-08-2003, 10:57 PM

I just started selling my spot news photos to the local paper in January. I just got paid in March for 3 photos that appeared in January. Spoke to the photo editor who submits the paperwork and learned that he does this monthly. Figure a couple of weeks for accounts payable to process and there you go..4-6 weeks. Good luck!