selling/ pricing images for educational text book.

[jonnydonut]

So one of my concentrations in college is geography. I've established a relationship with one of my professors I've had for numerous classes in part by contributing images that directly relate to his lectures and our studies. Being an aerial photographer, I'm able to constantly get a unique perspective of the land and geography of Texas, taking photographs while I fly all the time.

The professor is teaming up with a friend to create a "geography of Texas" book and wants me to contribute. He knows that I will charge, but he also has a limited budget, as this is his first published book. He could very well take his own pictures and would enjoy doing so, as he does for his lectures. (If you ever looked at a geography text book, they don't require nessesarily in depth knowledge of photography.)

Still, this is something I am really passionate about doing with him, and I'm struggling to price my images. I was thinking that I would charge for the stock/ pre-existing photos I already have, $10 per image, limited to 10 years of publication and 1 edition of publication.

Is that fair, am I low balling, or is that expensive compared to the stock images out there. I've never been commissioned for something like this before. Advice is much appreciated. Thanks guys.

[toverman]

There's a difference between making a pure profit or getting something else out of the experience, too. Figure in to the equation how much having work published in a book is worth to you, and if passion and wanting to do the project is fueling the project anyhow, the money is secondary.

While I was working at a newspaper as a reporter/photographer, a woman in town asked me to contribute images to her book (a guide for first-time horse owners). My photos were used among others, but I got a photography credit at the front of the book, helped out someone I admired and learned a lot from the experience.

[bondarnes]

Images for textbooks is right at the bottom of the stock image money tree. I think that your price of $10.00 per image is reasonable, but be prepared to go lower if that puts the book over budget.

[park]

I sold direct to textbook publishers in the past and now sell through a stock agency that markets primarily to textbook companies. Direct I was always able to get at least $150 for 1/4 page and more for larger sizes, chapter openers or covers. I am seeing similar prices to slightly less $125-135 - though I only get half - through the stock agency in monthly checks.

The companies used to get the images themselves but now often demand a finished package from the author. The authors have little experience licensing images and often pay very little. It sound like your friend is in that situation. What you charge is simply what you think is fair for him. Why not ask him if he has a figure he could live with?

[jonnydonut]

Thanks guys. What about the 10 years, 1 publication idea?

[park]

This looks like more of a deal for a friend than anything else. Have a dialogue and ask him what the company needs. I'm sure in his contract that is spelled out. Look here http://foodportraits.com/license/?stockphoto=519
for an example of how licensing is normally done.