selling photography work
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- illco
Question; i've never been in this situation and need some advise, yesterday the manager of an artist i took pictures of (ubiquity records) contacted me, he want's to use some pictures i took for his portfolio, this is how the manager discribes how the pictures are going to be used:
Next week I’m getting situated in one of the UK’s leading management companies, Anglo Management with Jeed and PPP as my clients. I need good shots of him to use to form a portfolio of his work to send off to industry heads. Whether that is for pluggers (TV, radio and press) labels or other artists. These would be situated on his official biography which is passed on to promoters / agents and all sorts of industry heads. I believe your photos capture Waajeed at his best – they really are fantastic pictures.
please advise on how much i should ask for 1 or more pictures! i know this isn't a photography community, but maybe someone was in the same situation...
I'm a starting photographer and can use the shine...thx!
- Laurent0
Hello, I completely understand your situation as I have the same issue for a new band. Well...it is always delicate as you dont want to spoil the collaboration BUT you dont want to be used by the Big Boss who has the cash. If he is that happy with your work and willing to use your talent - just say I charge that amount per hour (overprice it as he will drop your price). Up to you to play with your negotiation skills. Which camera are you using? Am just curious to know. Cheers & all the best.
- illco0
Thx for your response laurent, it's a tricky situation... I have to give the man a response soon, so i'm gonna think about my price and reply...
btw i use a d70...
- bolus0
make a reasonable offer, how much did you spend? What do you think he has to spend? How much time did it cost you? think of a reasanable hourly rate adjust that figure until you think it fits the job :)
- Kiino0
Other factors to consider: How much will the artist and label gain from your efforts, talent and investment in your equipment. Bottom line, don't sell yourself short. If you're thinking Ubiquity's a small label (which they are), then arrange a deal where you're paid X amount now and XX amount if the artist starts doing well. Don't just roll over and heal. You're not the Red Cross of photography.
- Kiino0
Oh, and be clear on whether they also want to license from you the rights to distribute the images to press for republishing. That's a separate license and additional $.
If they keep discussions vague and foggy, then you know they're trying to jack you like a three card monty hustler.
Another thing: get everything in writing with signatures. Otherwise, you have nothing to stand on. As my 70 year old mother-in-law says "Jive talk don't mean nothin' in court."
- Kiino0
You should know that you control the copyrights until you license them out in writing...you know that, right? Think of yourself as a musician and a film wants to use your song. Then a game designer wants to use it. You make separate license deals for each and every use.
And for added copyright protection, if it comes to a situation perhaps where they send these images to a magazine. And the magazine uses your shot for their advertising, you have firmer legal ground to stand on if you have the images registered with the big boys:
- illco0
thanks for the great advice Kiino, i've got a lot to figure out about the copyrights and licencing.
- illco0
amazing pictures Kiino!