Pricing for photos.....again

[Henk Coetzee]

This is a common question. Yes, I have searched and can't find the old threads.

Someone has asked if they can buy one of my images. They seem to want a digital version.

I have no idea how much to ask. My thinking is that if it is going to be used for commercial purposes, I may as well ask the going commercial rate - can someone direct me to the relevant website for rates. If it's going to an environmental NGO's publication (the last place I had an image published) or some such, I would like some sort of acknowledgement.

Also, how do I word a simple agreement licensing the image for use but not resale?

Would you consider it rude if you asked for an image and were asked what you would be using it for?

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Henk, follow this link add to cart, and fill in the usage details to get a price calculated.

[Chris F]

If I may add to this question:

- do you then sell "usage" to the NGO, but keep the "rights", ie with the eye on using this in your portfolio. (take it this wont be an option with a commercial entity buying the photo)

- what do you charge on the other hand if an amature sports person wants a pic you took of him ?

[Leo Theron]

Just do not think an NGO is a charity! They are COMMERCIAL operations after all.

[Henk Coetzee]

- do you then sell "usage" to the NGO, but keep the "rights", ie with the eye on using this in your portfolio. (take it this wont be an option with a commercial entity buying the photo)

In this specific case, rights remain with me. All I expect is that they acknowledge me as the photographer.

The rights, as far as a commercial entity, are something I must still look into.

[jaytee]

If I may add to this question:

- do you then sell "usage" to the NGO, but keep the "rights", ie with the eye on using this in your portfolio. (take it this wont be an option with a commercial entity buying the photo)

- what do you charge on the other hand if an amature sports person wants a pic you took of him ?

Chris, you can agree on whatever suits you. Lots of "commercial entities" will be happy to let you retain copyright. Depends on the entity, and what they want to use your image for - eg some magazines will let you retain copyright as long as you agree not to use the image for an agreed period after publication.

The reason (in my view) that this issue comes up often is that our world has changed (for the better). Price fixing is now illegal. Bread producers, estate agents, lawyers.....and photographers are part of a free market. You have to find out what the going rate is by market research, not by looking for a tariff. And the going rate is different in different areas.

In my experience sportspeople generally aren`t prepared to pay much more than the price of a couple of beers for a smallish digital file (and nothing at all for a "facebook" pic). Big prints are more profitable. But it depends on the sport, and the participants. You`ll get more for equestrian pics than for club football.

Your experience may differ. My favourite sports generally don`t attract the affluent.

[Henk Coetzee]

I've got some more details. The interested person wants it as an art object. I'd feel more comfortable selling a print and will make this offer. All I need is what is the going price for a "fine art print" (I'm still not sure what qualifies a photograph as "fine art") from an unknown photographer?