College Promotional Photos

kdspencer

I'm going to be taking some pictures at a basketball game at my Alma Matter this weekend. My purpose is to practice taking some sports photos, and see how my equipment and my skills hold up. I am not claiming to be professional, but want to develop my skills.

I have spoken with the coach (who I know personally) and gotten his blessing, and he also mentioned that if the pictures turn out well, they may want to use some for promotional purposes. I know that the college in general has had a lack of quality pictures in the past year or two, and if I take good images, they may ask for them, and may commission me to take photos of other events on campus.

In a case like this, what is usually done? Do I charge for the photo, or for the event?? And how do I work copyright and licensing issues? They would probably want the rights to use the pics in magazines, on the internet, and other pamphlets they may produce.

Any advice would be appreciated, as I want to go into this with the ability to put a price on my work if asked.

Thanks!
~Kathleen

Cygnus Studios

The usage license is pretty easy. Spell out the rights that you want, time period, where the image may be used, and what purposes.
You automatically have copyright, but if you are going to be publishing these in a serious function you can obtain a copyright here. Fill out the forms, pay the fee and wait.
You can charge for your images if you wish, or exchange them for credit until you get a few under your belt.
Personally I like charging for time vs prints. Once they know that you can deliver consistent images for their use, it should be easier to be paid for your time.