Opinions..

[jasonp]

As fellow photographers, I'm curious as to what you opinions are on this issue. I think I already know but, still I'm curious since I get these emails quite often.
Let me start off by saying I do my photography mainly as a hobby but occasionally have made money on the side. I've sold photos to a few magazines, newspapers and various other publications over the years but nothing on a regular basis. That being said, I do photography for the love of doing photography. I get emails all the time from people creating new websites wanting to use certain photos and if their website is for educational purposes or non-profit, I generally have no issue. But I sometimes get email from magazines or other publications that clearly intend to use my photos in the pursuit of making money. Case in point, I get this email today (names and other info XXX'ed out):

XXXXXX Magazine in XXXX Texas would like permission to possibly include your image of the Frio river in our May issue, XXXXXXXXXXXX

(Flickr Photo Download: Frio River on Memorial Day)

Do you grant us to print your image? It will run roughly 1/4 of a page.
Please respond at photoeditor@XXXXXX.com. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us!

Best,

XXXX

XXXXXXXX
Photo Editor
XXXXXX Magazine
T: XXXXXXXXX ext. XXX
C: XXXXXXXXX
photoeditor@XXXXXXXX.com

As you can see there is no mention or offer of compensation. My question is, how do you respond (politely) to them and tell them that since they are a for-profit business and will be using your photo for that purpose, that you require compensation? Or since I do this primarily as a hobby, should I just be happy that someone wants to publish my photo in their magazine and say, "sure go ahead and just credit me"? I didn't actually think the poto was any good to be honest.
Even the photos that I have sold; I have never (that I can remember) asked for compensation. Most businesses that wanted to use the photo have been up front and said, we'd like to use XX photo and are willing to pay $XX for it. I've always pretty much said, sure, that sounds good and taken whatever money was offered and was happy to be published.
I'm also cognizant of the fact that if I (or other photographers) give photos away for free, we actually hurt photographer that do this for a living.
Just curious as to your opinions and how you would respond...
JP

[mmuhlenkamp]

I don't know what the going rate for something like this would be, but I would word a response along the lines of, "I'm glad you like my photo enough to use it in your magazine, I charge monthly usage rights of $XXXX for commercial use."

Don't make any excuses for charging them anything, just state it as a fact. Even if you don't charge much more than say a stock photo site I would charge something. You'll need to decide what it's worth to you though.

ETA: I'm not a professional photog, but I play one on the internet.

[snydersnapshots]

I'm not an expert and I know there are many on here who are better versed in setting prices and that sort of thing. Having said that, you said the most of the magazines you sold images to have offered money up-front, while XXX came across as wanting to use it for free. To me, this is like the relative who comes from out of town for a convention and expects you to provide food, lodging, and transportation without even an offer to buy you dinner. In short, being used like that makes me want to dig in my heels and say not only no, but h*ll no!

Having said that, I'd check and see what XXX charges for a 1/4 page advertisement and use that as a starting price point. Another option might be to track down a copy of the Photographer's Market and look them up to see what they pay.

[texxter]

I think an appropriate model for this type of situations is stock - this is not an assignment, it's a stock sale. Use pricing used by stock houses and you can justify your pricing by stating that that's what the image license would cost if obtained thru an stock agency.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by mmuhlenkamp

I don't know what the going rate for something like this would be, but I would word a response along the lines of, "I'm glad you like my photo enough to use it in your magazine, I charge monthly usage rights of $XXXX for commercial use."

mmuhkenkamp meant for editorial use, as commercial normally equals advertising, not magazine story... And yes, you should be charging for the image. Since you failed to include the publication's name, I have no clue as to what their circulation is. Without knowing how big the pub is, I can't tell you what I would normally charge. However, assuming it is something bigger than a niche, mom and pop mag, I'd say that $75-$100 is an average fee for 1/4 stock. I've received that amount plenty of times for photos.

I would not give them a free photo, if they are making $$$ from the magazine. I would ask for $150 and 5 copies or tear sheets to be sent to me. If they say it's too much, I would negotiate some, but not free!!!!! That's just me, though. I can't tell you what to do.

[jasonp]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

mmuhkenkamp meant for editorial use, as commercial normally equals advertising, not magazine story... And yes, you should be charging for the image. Since you failed to include the publication's name, I have no clue as to what their circulation is. Without knowing how big the pub is, I can't tell you what I would normally charge. However, assuming it is something bigger than a niche, mom and pop mag, I'd say that $75-$100 is an average fee for 1/4 stock. I've received that amount plenty of times for photos.

I would not give them a free photo, if they are making $$$ from the magazine. I would ask for $150 and 5 copies or tear sheets to be sent to me. If they say it's too much, I would negotiate some, but not free!!!!! That's just me, though. I can't tell you what to do.

Thanks other Jason,

That sounds reasonable. Thanks for your input...your help/advice is appreciated everyone.