Selling Prints

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Dion Bee
Edit My Images
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I didnt want to put this in the bunsiness thread, but if it is in the wrong place, Sorry!

I was just wondering, do you have to have a license or something so sell pictures?

What has happened is.. I was taking photographs on a rally about 2 weeks ago, and ave sent a few proofs to friends that were competing, and they are asking me to print them for them for about a £10.

Im not bothered about making money, but there were other photographers on the event, and i was just thinking, is it ILLEGAL for me to sell prints?
I would like to get m name out there, because ill be out on a lot of events next year!
(but it will be more of a hobby to me than a business)


Not sure where i stand here!

Thanks in advance to anyone that helps,

Dion!
 
I have been to horse shows that have had someone covering them and done pics for friends with no problem but I did know the official photographers.
I would think if you were to put loads of them up on a website and try to sell to anyone else there may be a problem though, as admittance (if its on private ground) may restrict photography for commercial purposes.
 
yes, i would be interested in putting them on the club's website etc. are you waying that it is illegal?

Cheers,

Dion!
 
If its held on private ground then the organisers have rights to assign photographers and who sells them.

If its held on public roads then I think you should be alright, but you could still cause upset so a few discreet messages could be in order. If the roads are closed or if there is an entrance fee, then by buying the ticket you could be agreeing to all sorts of things you are unaware of.

Official Photographers have long memories...
 
It's not illegal although as said, there might be restrictions in place as part of the entry to private property.

The "official" photographer will be paying a fee for the right to shoot. It might be a flat fee, it might be a percentage of sales or a bit of both. That is supposed to get them exclusive rights, promotion, etc. and they tend to be very protective of their income.

If they find you're taking their trade you might be asked to leave (if private property) or you might find a steward will stand right in front of you the whole time.

Perhaps a better angle would be to find out who's shooting the event and get in touch with them, see if they need any help or mind if you tag along, etc. Better to make friends than enemies :thumbs:
 
hi andrew, the road rallies are on public, unclosed roads, and there is no entrance fee to get in.

What i really want is to get my name out there as a road rally togger, but im unsure of licensing and logal issues regarding selling prints.

Do i have to be licensed to sell them or not?

Regarding the other toggers, its not my fault if people want to buy my photographs over theirs i guess, so imo, there is nothing else to say about that!

Cheers,

Dion!
 
It's not illegal although as said, there might be restrictions in place as part of the entry to private property.

The "official" photographer will be paying a fee for the right to shoot. It might be a flat fee, it might be a percentage of sales or a bit of both. That is supposed to get them exclusive rights, promotion, etc. and they tend to be very protective of their income.

If they find you're taking their trade you might be asked to leave (if private property) or you might find a steward will stand right in front of you the whole time.

Perhaps a better angle would be to find out who's shooting the event and get in touch with them, see if they need any help or mind if you tag along, etc. Better to make friends than enemies :thumbs:


Yep, i agree with you, i think it is a lot better to make friends than enemies, i get along with the official togger of rallies around here, i actually bought my flashgun off him, and i have told him my intentions, and he seemed to be ok with it, so what would i need to do to get a license etc?

Dion
 
The official photog would be the person to speak to, but if it is all held on public roads the chances are that there won't be one...
 
ok, cheers!

Don't think there is to be honest, all the guys that are into the rallying scene in north wales now have kindo got into the cast that the same 3 - 4 photographers are out on all rallies, and theyre the only people selling prints etc!

So its hard to get in there!

Dion!
 
Bottom line is.. you dont need a licence to sell pictures you have taken... You may need a licence to take pictures.. But if you have taken yours without restrictions then they are yours to do with as you please... But to follow the unwritten rules.. ie dont step on the official photographers toes.. if he is OK then go forth :)
 
There's no licence as such but check with the organisers and see what their requirements are. Also, some public liability insurance might be useful :thumbs:
 
why would public liability insurance be useful?

Sorry if this sounds a stupid question!!

Cheers, for yor comments and help!

Dion!
 
Be aware that any income (in theory, however small) should be declared to the taxman. Of course. the plus side of that is that any expenditure can be offset against the income. Check with a real accountant/tax advisor to see what's what.
 
ok, thanks, and thanks to everyone else who has helped aswell.

You've all given me a lot of info on this !!

Cheers,

Dion!
 
Who was the official on the event? BG??

As to selling shots from road rallies there are no restrictions ie licensing etc to have. Some official togs do get mardy as to people treading on their toes, but most of us are ok ;)

The right way to go about it would be down the media route in all honesty if you plan on doing it on a more regular basis, most people know that there isn't a great dal of money made from supplying the media with pictures but the income from an official tog will be topped up with his sales to the competitors. He will have the advantage over someone like yourself as he will have all the contact details for the crews.

Some togs will try to stop others signing on at events, what they plan on gaining there I haven't a clue as others will not have access to the crews details, but perhaps some of them are a little scared of competition and have no confidence in their own work. Some events it will allow you access to areas the general public / spectators cannot get to but in general most events you are free to roam.
 
nothing to worry about since its not on private land, even if its on track there is nothing they can really do either.
 
cheers, to both of you.

Regarding rally-media's post, i think the official togger was Duncan Littler.
So, do you think that i should sign on on the start of a rally? or just go out and photograph?

Thanks, its really appreciated.

Dion!
 
DL - possibly explains why people want to buy your shots then. ;)

What is you sole intention for attending the event? Is it just to take pictures for competitors to buy prints from you? Is it to supply newspapers and other media?

If it's the first answer then you "shouldn't" pass the media accreditation requirements to allow you to sign on.
If it's the latter you will require proof as to who you are supplying your shots to.
 
DL - possibly explains why people want to buy your shots then. ;)

What is you sole intention for attending the event? Is it just to take pictures for competitors to buy prints from you? Is it to supply newspapers and other media?

If it's the first answer then you "shouldn't" pass the media accreditation requirements to allow you to sign on.
If it's the latter you will require proof as to who you are supplying your shots to.

Why do say that? He's a good photographer, taught me a lot about shootinh at night with a flash gun.

How do i go about getting pictures in the papers and media then?

My intention was to jst take pictures and sell prints to friends and other competitors etc.

Dion!
 
Dion, DL is probably a very good road rally photographer just can't understand his need to use flash ALL of the time including during daylight hours.

If you're intention is just to sell to competitors stay as a 'speccie with a camera' then as most events won't allow you to sign on without any media credentials.
 
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