Fee for rights to images

[Dennis_Vied]

Another consideration is that the size of the images would make them of limited value. If they want a size suitable for print publication, you could require more money, but that would come later.

It just doesn't seem worth it to me for full copyright release.

[Ken Krehbiel]

Michael, what planet are you living on? The days of $30,000 buyouts for images like this are long gone; even for most advertising shoots for national ad work. $500 is too cheap, but typical for this kind of use anymore.

Yeah, it isn't fair, but in the real world of royalty free, iStock, Flicker, etc, you either learn how to make a living, or you can eat your rightousness for breakfast. Yum.

Would I sell my best images to these people? No way. I would shoot specifically for their campaign and promote the hell out of it for my own local benefit. Besides, if a pro won't do it, someone with a Flicker account and a 20D will.

Let the guy make some money!

Ken

[michaelnotar]

i would probably consider $500 for a © transf. if it was a shot that is usefully a company's product and only of value to them. but in your case, there are a large number of people that could be interested.

well everyone has their own financial needs, but to anyone making a modest income or better, do you ever NEED to do a job...almost never, unless you its going to be like 20% of your income... you can make it without.

ken what do you think is appropriate for a © transfere....i dont think clients realize how huge of a thing this is to ask of us! and i was only quoting those numbers from another source, see my prev posts.

[Ken Krehbiel]

Michael, you are right, most clients (even professional ones) do not realize what they are asking of us when they ask for full rights, even when they are paying us to shoot the photo they want. I often reason with them that they will not need the photo forever, and that it is not worth it to them to pay for "total" rights. Then, a 2 or 5 year usage seems better and cheaper. Doesn't always work, usually because someone above them told them what to do. Then it is up to your gut feelings.

It is a continual thing to educate clients about usage & rights. I feel like a broken record.

Can I decide what what anyone should charge for a copyright transfer in their situation and market? NO, I am not that "all-knowing". I do know that most photographers DO NOT ask for enough compensation for their creativity and hard work; and most clients are happy about that. I have been as guilty as the next man, but I have learned over the years that if you ask for reasonable compensation and are willing (and confident enough) to explain why you should be paid more than they think, odds are good you will do much better than just cowering and begging for the minimum amount. This is a business, and if you talk business to a business person, they may understand you, and you will do better. Even if they refuse to bend, they will be educated a bit more when the deal with the next photographer.

I recommend Photo Quote to anyone dealing with this kind of business, it will pay for it's self on your first bid; and they will give you great info & business acumen for when you are dealing with your clients.

It is one thing to be able to deal with your clients and your situations, and another to be on a "mission". It helps all of us to do both the best we can.

Good luck!
Ken

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