should I charge for this?

the supervillain · January 16, 2010

Hi,
so I got this random email the other day from a small business owner wanting to use one of my images as a banner heading for a page on his website. He wants to alter the image as well, by tweaking the colors he says.

He is telling me he will give me credit on the website.

The exposure is good, but I am on the fence as to whether I should charge him, at least the cost of a digital download from my gallery. Not too sure how I feel about the altering the image as well.

What are your thoughts??

KMCC · January 16, 2010

Of course you should charge for use of the photograph.

The small business owner's web site is there to help him optimize his business and thus his profitability.

If your photograph enables his web site to achieve its purpose, then your photograph has monetary value to him and therefore to you.

the supervillain · January 16, 2010

thank you! putting it that way makes it seem like a no-brainer

the next question, this would be for commercial use, correct? seeing as he is using it in website design for a company.
if he is altering the image (color enhancing), would this be a derivative work?

The Mack · January 16, 2010

Yes, charge for it. Make up a contract as well since he's going to change the colors.

Art Scott · January 17, 2010

ask him what and how he wants it changed and do it for him and charge for that also.....and now it is still 100% your work.....with small verbal collaboration .... if he does it he will skew the facts to make it seem without his re editing it was worthless........

the supervillain · January 18, 2010

thanks for all the input everyone, you have put things in a different perspective. I am writing up a response to his request and we will see what happens

should I charge for this?

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