Calculating Cost for Calendar

[Mitch_Miller]

I recently took pictures of a number of national and regional bands. One of the regional bands has inquired about using one of my pictures of them on a calendar (full page calendar photo). Sounds like they may start with a smaller run of about 100 the first time, followed by another 500 if the first ones sell well.

I'm new enough to commercial use of my photos that I'm not sure what sort of questions I should ask, and even how to price it even if I had the answers to the questions I'm not sure of asking! [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Also, where to a newbie turn to get sample agreements, etc.? Do you have to use a lawyer for every deal?

Any advice appreciated (standard disclaimer already implied and assumed).

[Leslie_BurnsDellAcqua]

Mitch:

There are several resources for your questions. First off, there is a great book which, I believe, comes with a CD of the forms, called "Business and Legal Forms For Photographers" by Tad Crawford. That should get you started on the right paperwork.

Also, organizations like ASMP and APA have business resources available to their members. You should seriously consider joining one of them.

As for your specific situation, you should be able to quote a price for your clients based on the information you have provided us. Give them a price for 100 calendars and a second price for the addition print run, in case it happens later. To get numbers, consider buying FotoBiz or FotoQuote (fotoquote.com) or Michael Herron's book "Pricing Photography."

One last thing, you are not giving them a "cost" but rather a "price" or a "fee" for the usage license. "Cost" implies expense, like the cost for a part, which cheapens the product/service in the mind of the buyer. It's a little thing, but it can make a difference.

Best of Luck!
-Leslie