Dive Op wants to use my pic, should I charge?

A dive operator that we really liked would like to use the attached shot for their website and brochures. Up to this point I have just given them away, these guys are big. I am flattered and will give it to them but should I ask for anything? If so what?

Heck yeah you should ask for something! They are going to use the photo to promote their business and MAKE MONEY, so you should too. At the very least you should make your 'lowest acceptable price' be some free diving w/ them. If they are associated w/ a hotel, see if you can get accomodations AND diving.

Good luck!

James

I fully agree with James.

The picture was not free to take and they are not family so why would you not charge. Great shot by the way!

Todd

It is also important that in general we underwater photographers don't give our images away for free otherwise we devalue all underwater images.

Generally it is easiest for dive centres to pay you in diving. So ask them for what they can give you most easily. You will get much more value that way (as long as you want the free diving).

Money is of course much more useful - as having loads of free diving doesn't help you buy groceries!

Alex

Groceries? Who needs those when there is Top Ramen!? Buy camera gear instead...:-)

Cheers

James

Money is of course much more useful - as having loads of free diving doesn't help you buy groceries!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In 'groceries' I assume you mean groceries from B&H

That's a great image - don't give it away. I know it's tempting to see your work published but if you give it away you not only devalue your work but also the work of every other u/w photographer. You can't blame them for trying to get images for free but they wouldn't be in business for long if they gave away their trips. At the very least I would expect accommodations and diving for a week. I'd push for meals too.

Bartering can lead to some slippery situations though. A few years ago I provided a dive operator with some images (dupe slides) to use in a slide presentation at trade shows. A little while later I discovered my photos being used in their print advertisements. When I confronted them about it they said they had paid me for the images by giving me free diving. Watch your back and get it in writing, handshake agreements can turn ugly.

Groceries?  Who needs those when there is Top Ramen!?  Buy camera gear instead...:-)

 

Cheers

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

James! Ramen!!! i didn't know you worked in the dive industry! we are two peas in a pod....

I agree with the rest of em, you definitely should get somethign out of it. ANd the most important is as Larry said.... Get it in writing!

Be very specific of the image with a description, also be very specific in the usage of that image. If it is for brochure say brochure, don't say "all media"

I would also suggest a time frame....1 year, 2 year 5 year etc

Don't forget Mike, I went to grad school too...:-)

Cheers

James

Don't forget Mike, I went to grad school too...:-)

 

Cheers

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh come on James, no one that went to Berkley ate Top Ramen when you had all of the great places in Bezerkly to graze in.

Update

In the Dive Ops original email they asked if I had any other shots they could use so here is what I offered:

CD with 10 photos they could pick and choose from for use in their promotional material for one free trip in 07. We would be willing to pay in full, now, for my wife. So far no response.

Awesome shot! I'd charge.

Ditto to those that say "charge". It's a stunning shot that could make a great cover, for example, or a contest entry that wins a trip. What ever you agree to, put it in writing with an end date to the use, or they'll never have to pay for photos again.

Cheers,

Marli

I also meant to comment, as you've had no reply, (perhaps they're thinking it over), how many times when you state a reasonable price for using your images, (not that you'll ever recoup even the teensiest portion of what it cost to take the image), you don't hear back. Ask them to check out licensing costs, so they see you're not making up prices willy nilly. This is a good site for estimating:

http://photographersindex.com/price-ed-calc.dbm

Cheers,

Marli

Martin,

That image is perfect for marketing uses because it leaves open the right side blue negative for type. I think you'll hear back depending on how they intend to use the image. If it was for web use, I doubt they'll fork out a 2-3k trip. But if it's for bigger promotional use, they might work with you.

Joe

Well Joe you have smitten the nail upon it’s crux. After a couple emails we settled on 50% off, about a $1300 value. Anyone have a boilerplate basic agreement? I did cave and will give them the picture “foreverâ€.

Hi guys, newby to the site here, i would just add two things:

GREAT piccie

Also insist that you are creditted with the shot everytime it is used, good advertising for yourself as well.

Graham

Hi Martin,

I would make sure that "forever" means for as long as the operation is in business and under the same ownership, "AND" that forever does not mean they can resell the image.

Great job, by the way.

Joe

I have no opinion on whether you should charge. However, if you're giving that image away, I'll take it. -Clay

And Clay, would YOU make money on it?