The Not-So-Uncommon Question

[NostalgicDad]

I've gotten this type of question (below) on several occasions in the past and typically give my response that includes something to the effect of permission is granted along with the "purchase" of the image. I can sometimes understand a personal request but when a company asks for free usage, I just never understand why they expect me to just give it away. I haven't yet responded to this request as I thought hearing from others would be interesting. This particular request is for an image I shot at a sporting event and I have removed the personal/company names involved. Let me know how you respond to these sorts of things.......

Hi Danny,
My name is ****** and I am the Marketing person for ******. I wanted to ask if I could have your permission to use one of your photo's of ****** on the podium in our Club Newsletter?

Thank you,
******

[tukaniray]

With my full time gig at this one studio, we have been asked the same question by different other companies. My boss usually responds the same way you responded with some compensation for the photos.

We have asked others for their photos on projects we were working on for other companies and those photographers did the same to us. We paid their compensation and we were all happy.

So, I think you asking for some compensation for your photo is the right thing and not our of the ordinary.

-Ray-

[NostalgicDad]

Originally Posted by tukaniray

With my full time gig at this one studio, we have been asked the same question by different other companies. My boss usually responds the same way you responded with some compensation for the photos.

We have asked others for their photos on projects we were working on for other companies and those photographers did the same to us. We paid their compensation and we were all happy.

So, I think you asking for some compensation for your photo is the right thing and not our of the ordinary.

-Ray-

Thanks for the reply Ray. Yesterday I received an email from a company wanting to purchase and download some images from me to use in some advertising. I have downloads setup on my site for both personal use and commercial use licensing. They actually asked me which license they would need to pay for.

[Aric C. Hoek]

It's fantastic that you are getting those kind of requests though, don't you think? It sounds like opportunity more than anything.

"I would be happy to provide you with the image in question for your event. How would you like to take care of that today? Do you already have an event photographer reserved to document the occasion? If you choose McKinney Texas Photography, we will be providing each of your guests with one free family portrait session valued at $150. Please feel free to use this information if you feel it will increase the attendance of your event."

[NostalgicDad]

Aric......Yes, absolutely fantastic that I get requests like these. I certainly don't want to come across as diminishing the fact that people have an interest. I think the requests I've mentioned here just more or less reflect the typical expectations of today's marketplace with regards to photography. I can't let these expectations change how I want to place myself in the marketplace, however. Just keep plugging away I suppose.

Thanks a bunch for the comment!

[Aric C. Hoek]

You bet. I can completely relate.