Request to use image for media opputinities

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BrandonDouglas

BrandonDouglas

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Brandon
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I recieved a request to use one of my images, it reads:

"Dear Brandon,

Aneela Rose PR represents London's Tower Bridge and we have seen your image of Tower Bridge at Christmas with the blue Christmas tree in the foreground. Does this ring any bells?

Would you be interested in allowing us to use it for a few media opportunities in the run up to Christmas, provided your name is included in the caption?

If so, please get in touch - 01444 *** ***.

Many thanks

Jemima"

I've never gone through the process of allowing someone the rights to use my image and would like some advice thanks for any help !
 
I'd reply saying you'd be happy to licence non exclusive use of the image for £25 per usage (or whatever seems fair to you) If they are a PR firm then they'll be being paid for thier services so they ought to be paying for images - they may well refuse though so after that it depends on how much you want to see one of your images in print (personally i'd say they were taking the proverbial , but its up to you)
 
big soft moose said:
I'd reply saying you'd be happy to licence non exclusive use of the image for £25 per usage (or whatever seems fair to you) If they are a PR firm then they'll be being paid for thier services so they ought to be paying for images - they may well refuse though so after that it depends on how much you want to see one of your images in print (personally i'd say they were taking the proverbial , but its up to you)
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I'd be happy to get my name out their and it's a bit of an ego boost to I guess, something to brag about ... Ofcourse if they (as you say) get money from it themselves then it's a mick take not to give the photographer a share ofcourse !
 
Sorted it, apparently it's going to be used in a big wooden advent calendar being made ... and they'll have a caption below or something crediting photographers. Probably should have asked for some sort of payment out of it but didn't want to be cheeky :p
 
BrandonDouglas said:
Sorted it, apparently it's going to be used in a big wooden advent calendar being made ... and they'll have a caption below or something crediting photographers. Probably should have asked for some sort of payment out of it but didn't want to be cheeky :p
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I think you will find they were the ones being cheeky... ;)
 
Why do you think you're being cheeky? Are the printers making the calendars "for a caption"? Are the distributors doing it for free?
 
Stratman said:
Why do you think you're being cheeky? Are the printers making the calendars "for a caption"? Are the distributors doing it for free?
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Somehow "big wooden advent calendar" has me thinking more of an on-site exhibition than a mass-produced novelty number being sold for charity..

.. if that is the case, I'll say, "Well done".. and hopefully you've got a nice low number so more people get to see it for longer :D
 
:p No they're actually manufacturing a large Advent Calendar out of wood, so I'm told ... Unless I misunderstood ;)
Pretty sure that is what she said though ! I'm just happy to (for one, have my photo chosen) and secondly having my stuff out on display and maybe get some recognition etc.
 
BrandonDouglas said:
Ah probably but didn't want to screw up my first opputinity D;
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No, you've definitely not screwed up your opportunities. You'll be the go to guy for free photos now. Saved that PR person a fortune so you'll be constantly being asked to do the same thing again and again.

The death knell for photography is sounding. It's sounding with the phrases "credit, caption, great opportunity"
 
BrandonDouglas said:
:p No they're actually manufacturing a large Advent Calendar out of wood, so I'm told ... Unless I misunderstood ;)
Pretty sure that is what she said though ! I'm just happy to (for one, have my photo chosen) and secondly having my stuff out on display and maybe get some recognition etc.
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Even if this is a freebie, you should get it agreed in writing that you are only licensing the image for display on the advent exhibition, that it's only for one use this year, and that any further use is subject to your written agreement and negotiation of a usage fee.

Give 'em and inch and they'll take a mile.. so get them wise to the fact that you're wise to it.
 
I'd be interested to hear from other photographers if they've ever had any follow up work or other opportunites from giving their work away for a credit. Last time I was offered this by a newspaper, I refused point blank, but I'm wondering whether there are any benefits, other than to the company who is making a profit out of the photographers work.
 
viewfromthenorth said:
I'd be interested to hear from other photographers if they've ever had any follow up work or other opportunites from giving their work away for a credit. Last time I was offered this by a newspaper, I refused point blank, but I'm wondering whether there are any benefits, other than to the company who is making a profit out of the photographers work.
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As I mentioned above i've had good results with giving rights released CDs to zoos and wildlife collections etc (especially the smaller ones) and nature reserves etc - it usually pays dividends in cooperation from keepers/wardens etc and access either after hours or to parts of the site where the public don't usually get to go (within reason of course as they have to be mindful of elf and safety)

but these places are usually charities - i certainly wouldnt give images for free to a business thats going to make a profit out of them
 
I think it was great that you asked, I do think however, looking at that link that it sounds like everyone is getting paid but you. Great job on getting your photo used and I hope you have some sort of written contract, but in future if the photos good enough for them to use it in a paid piece then it's good enough to pay for. So it's not cheeky to ask for payment.

However, when you took the photo you didn't do it with the intent of anything other than taking the photo, you weren't expecting exposure or payment from it, so you've not lost anything either.
 
Skips said:
However, when you took the photo you didn't do it with the intent of anything other than taking the photo, you weren't expecting exposure or payment from it, so you've not lost anything either.
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I hate this argument. You have lost something, a business is making money by using your images, therefore you are being ripped off.

I don't take every photo to be instantly paid for it, but I don't want anyone else making money off my talent by exploiting it for their personal gain.

Just because you were not commissioned to shoot something is no excuse to give your work away.
 
Thanks for only quoting the part of my statement you could argue with. I was trying to give a balanced and supportive answer.
 
There is an opportunity to be used here if you think sideways..

Local newspapers are always looking for filler pieces.. "Local photographer has picture selected for prestigous Christmas advent exhibition at national tourist landmark"..

Credit and recognition are sometimes what you make of it. Play it right and this really could be coverage you couldn't buy.. and if you were in a position to produce a short run of local scenes on Christmas cards (even if the cards aren't printed, have them ready to include in the article).. ..

.. make the most of the opportunity..
 
ding76uk said:
I don't want anyone else making money off my talent by exploiting it for their personal gain.
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Actually in this case it's his talent, not yours (unless he stole your photo, in which case this is a whole different thread)

Alastair said:
There is an opportunity to be used here if you think sideways..

Local newspapers are always looking for filler pieces.. "Local photographer has picture selected for prestigous Christmas advent exhibition at national tourist landmark"..

Credit and recognition are sometimes what you make of it. Play it right and this really could be coverage you couldn't buy.. and if you were in a position to produce a short run of local scenes on Christmas cards (even if the cards aren't printed, have them ready to include in the article).. ..

.. make the most of the opportunity..
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Actually, this is a really good point. If you're any good at writing yourself you can actually submit a full story as a free piece for the local rag(s). Put the photo with it as well and you might get your photo in the paper, I've done this once or twice for a company in my home town.

Photographers, I feel, need to understand that this is going to keep on happening no matter what. They can't get all bent out of shape cause it's not going to help anything. Either they improve their photography so that this sort of thing doesn't effect their cash flow, or they support this sort of photographer into believing that their photography is worth something.

I've heard is said that love of money is the root of all evil so I doubt attitudes are going to change anytime soon.
 
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Skips said:
Actually, this is a really good point. If you're any good at writing yourself you can actually submit a full story as a free piece for the local rag(s). Put the photo with it as well and you might get your photo in the paper, I've done this once or twice for a company in my home town.
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This is a great idea. In fact I wonder if the OP owns a printing press? That way he could write the articles for free, supply the photos for free and print it for free as well. :bang:
 
Leslie said:
This is a great idea. In fact I wonder if the OP owns a printing press? That way he could write the articles for free, supply the photos for free and print it for free as well. :bang:
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A newspaper is more likely to accept a pre-written piece as is than to have to send a reporter out or phone someone up and then get someone to write it. If you submit a photo and something like the cards that were suggested then you might be able to make some money.

I think I'm at my second strike for this thread. So much for friendliest forum on the internet.
 
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Skips said:
A If you're any good at writing yourself you can actually submit a full story as a free piece for the local rag(s). Put the photo with it as well and you might get your photo in the paper, I've done this once or twice for a company in my home town.
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That's called a "press release" ;)


Lez325 said:
lets see these images then :thumbs:

Les
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I assume the pic in question is the one the op has in this 500px stream....
 
I think it' the least friendliest one I use. But at least you can't swear at people right.
 
Well guys, I do appreciate the positive, friendly and motivational advice !
(Note the sarcasm)

I remember now why I stopped visiting this site, it's full of stuck up photographers. Sorry to be so blunt. And sorry to put you all in one boat as I know there is the rare few who do help etc.

At the end of the day, I'm 17 and I'm pretty sure more oppotunities will present themselves in my future where I can make money from my photography but for now I've given rights away for ONE photo to a company who may or may not make money from it, whether or not they do I couldn't care less, whether I get credit for it or not I couldn't care less. And just to add, it's isn't even a very good photo at all so I can't imagine too many people wanting it ! ...

For now it's something I can take advantage of, as (the actually helpful people have noted) I could write up an article for the paper about it. It's something I can put in my CV or Portfolio etc.

Basically you can reply to this post and moan about how I've been ripped off but understand that I'm happy with my decision and as previously stated, could not care less.

Thanks to those who have actually given some form of positive feedback.
 
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For someone who requested to see the image, this is not for critique. And I already know the problems with this image, it's an old one I took before I even knew about Aperture etc.
 
The OP is happy with his decision and that is all that matters. :shrug:

But, I don't think having other Photographers being of the opinion that the OP has in their opinion given his work away too cheaply is unexpected. Most Photographers take pictures because they enjoy the process, and having someone appreciate the resulting pictures is definitely an ego boost. For some, that is enough. If someone is asking to use your image commercially, then again that is an ego boost, but it is also an opportunity to make some money from images, if for nothing else, to help pay for all that expensive gear. :shrug: Each situation is different, but it is usually the Photographer being asked to give their services (images) for free. The person usually asking is being paid, and the people producing whatever the image will be used in, magazine, poster, website etc, is also being paid. Without any images though, whatever it is doesn't get produced. So the image has value, if for no one else but for the people in the chain to produce the product.

Reading this situation, I initially thought that small wooden Calendars would be expensive, and so the OP may not have been wise to give their image for nothing, but when it is an exhibition that is going to run for many weeks, and people will be charged 'Standard admission prices for adults £8, children aged 5-15 £3.40, under 5s free and concessions £5.60.' Then it looks like everyone will be paid except the OP. :eek: And anyone else who gave their image away for free.

I read a magazine article last week where a Pro Photographer was being asked to give his pictures to a company that he had been doing 'paid' work for for many years, for free, he declined their kind offer. But people, and especially business, are trying to get things for free to save money, if they can get images for free from other sources that may, or may not be as good, but cost nothing, they are going to use them, or at least use that as a reason to pay less for images. It is understandable that people who may be Pro Photographers, or aim to sell any images, will at least have an opinion about someone giving images away for free that they perceive to have value. If nothing else to stop the person posting to not be taken advantage of. :shrug:

Like I said though, if the OP is happy with that then take the not unexpected comments on the chin and enjoy the image when it is unveiled.


You did at least negotiate a free entry so that you can go and see your image didn't you? ;) :lol:
 
That's a point, it might be a lot of fun to go down and see your work live as it were. I know for me that that would be a huge ego boost. Whilst the photo isn't perfect (what photo is?) I can definately see why they would choose it for the calander.

Hey, take the girlfriend, she might be impressed?
 
Honestly if You don't want honest advice, don't ask the question!

You really think we offer advice to **** people off or to see them being taken advantage of?

In future I will just congratulate people on being taken advantage of rather than offer advice as to why you should not let people exploit you.

Hey you got your name in print, you can brag about that, well done, I am sure you will get plenty of opportunity to give your work away in future.

Sincerely

Stuck Up Photographer.
 
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Skips said:
That's a point, it might be a lot of fun to go down and see your work live as it were. I know for me that that would be a huge ego boost. Whilst the photo isn't perfect (what photo is?) I can definately see why they would choose it for the calander.

Hey, take the girlfriend, she might be impressed?
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This does sound like a good idea actually, always worth trying to impress the girl ! ;)
 
To the OP, well done on having your photo used, if you are happy with the arrangement then that is all that matters. Ignore all the 'thou shalt not give your work away for free' lot, because it is just that, your work, nobody else's.

The link above including the prices for entry is a bit misleading, those are the prices for entry to the whole attraction of which the wooden calendar is but a small and short lived part.

A few people on this site really need to get off their high horse once in a while and take in the wider world. Things change in all walks of life and work, move on.
Is a non pro really going to register with the tax office etc for the sake of 1 photo, I don't think it would be worth the hassle personally.
What all us non-pros choose to do as a hobby may be inconvenient for the photography pros but if you put that thought to one side for a bit and look at the situation with an open mind it is easy to see many similar situations, some on this forum, where no one seems to mind that the amateur could be doing the work of the pros for free. For instance I am sure there are a lot of books written on how to be a better photographer or using lighting etc however whenever a question is asked on this forum there are a multitude of people offering advice (good for this site and the advertisers paying towards this site as it generates traffic), now I am sure there are not that many authors of books contributing to this forum so are those that offer advice making the authors of books redundant?. Now if you think well actually maybe there's a point there just consider the internet as a whole and not just photography forums and it may put an amateur photographer letting someone use some of his photo's for free into perspective.

Oh, before anyone thinks I don't have the right to comment on this issue please consider this, while not a pro photographer I am a skilled IT/Computer engineer, and quite a good one too, I now work on kit most would not of heard of but is the backbone of most corporate organisations. I started out on PC's laptop's etc a long time ago but there is not too much call for that from the general public these days as most people know someone who will take a look at your pc when you have a problem for free (thanks to the internet/free advice), I do that too for family/friends and friends of friends occasionally. If I had stayed with pc's I'd be on a low wage with not too many job prospects now, what did I do? I moved into an area with better prospects and this is what some pro photographers need to be doing.

Just my opinion no doubt some will pull it to bits, but hey ho.

Paul.
 
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