National Geographic Traveler Magazine

[w9ctm]

I received the following from a photog buddy of mine. I thought I would post here for some sage advice for him. Your thoughts?







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I just got a photo request from National Geographic Traveler magazine for a 1/4 page usage, and they are asking for the hi-res up front (before payment) to use in their comps first. They send me an agreement form to sign, then pay after publishing. Is this a reliable way of working? I'm sure I can check up on the issue and sue if they don't pay, but I imagine they are trust worthy?

I was going to supply them a hi-res version with a big watermark, but they would still want a clean version before paying after publishing. I don't want to make waves in case I can establish a working relation with them.

What would you guys do?
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Thanks in advance,

[sbsbennett]

If it is legit, I'd work with them. A foot in the door with NG goes a long way in a career.

Steve

[KobraCarry]

Originally Posted by sbsbennett

If it is legit, I'd work with them. A foot in the door with NG goes a long way in a career.

Steve

What he said!

[brad]

If it truly is NatGeo Traveler, then absolutely run with it. But make sure he's sure who's he's dealing (and signing) with.

[CaptainTom]

I agree. What's the worst that could happen? No pay. No image in NG.
right were you are now. !!

[karakelian]

check out as much as possible to make sure they are legit and go for it! I agree with Capt.Tom what's the worst that can happen.

[DoublyDan]

I would copyright the image first. If I am correct you cannot sue for damages after the fact if it is not registered properly. You can get paid for the usage but not damages and lawyers fees after the fact...

Someone with more knowledge may come along and be of more help.

[brad]

Originally Posted by karakelian

check out as much as possible to make sure they are legit and go for it! I agree with Capt.Tom what's the worst that can happen.

The only harm I can see is that they get it for free and start expecting that from all photographers...

Originally Posted by DoublyDan

I would copyright the image first. If I am correct you cannot sue for damages after the fact if it is not registered properly. You can get paid for the usage but not damages and lawyers fees after the fact....

That is correct. If you do not have it copyrighted and win a lawsuit, all you can recover is fair market value for the usage. If you have it registered copyrighted, you can recover the legal costs as well as diminished value since you can no longer sell exclusive rights.

[khatley]

Are you going to post the pic or what!

[w9ctm]

I don't have the pic. It is my friends dilemma.

However, I gave him everyone's input. He received the contract from them and decided to work with them. He advised he feels really good about it. If he let's me know, I will provide a link when it gets published.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

[snidow]

Most magazines pay after they publish the photo.

[L Stegall]

Um, he should feel GREAT about them contacting him. That's a dilemma a lot of us would like to have. Yes, please do share the info when it's published. I actually subscribe to that magazine, so I'll be on the lookout for the print version!