Idiot Amateur at work?

Lord Vetinari · March 3, 2006

Strange week I've had- I was tracked down by the editor of a news media agency about doing a speculative article on my macrophotos. They do all the work and then try to sell the result who Knows where but potentially even to Daily National papers. I do my photography as a hobby- not for money making although obviously making some money would be nice. Anyway to cut to the chase I agreed verbally to a 40% cut of any profits they make on it- but have not yet seen the contract but I only started talking to then in any depth a couple of days ago. I believe the company is reputable and I have lots of phone numbers and know their web address etc. I have already sent them 20 requested photos and they now have a freelance writer writing a piece on me.
Does this all sound reasonable?
To cap this I've just had an email from someone requesting use of some of my stereo photos in an up and coming text book on computer graphics to be published by Prentice Hall.
This is all very flattering but obviously I don't want to get ripped off.
Any suggestions on how to progress with this?- I've just emailed back indicating interest and stating I assumed some financial recompense would be involved.
I would be grateful for any advice.
Brian V.

Eric&Susan · March 3, 2006

I can't help you with the pricing but seeing how great your pics are it's no surprise that people want to use them for publication.

Congrats

Eric

Lord Vetinari · March 3, 2006

Eric&Susan wrote:

I can't help you with the pricing but seeing how great your pics are it's no surprise that people want to use them for publication.

Congrats

Eric

Thanks Eric- I've got a vague idea on pricing from a site here
http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

I just wasn't sure if I was being naieve in trusting the media company.
Brian V.

DanielB · March 3, 2006

Lord Vetinari wrote:

Thanks Eric- I've got a vague idea on pricing from a site here
http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

I just wasn't sure if I was being naieve in trusting the media company.
Brian V.

just make sure you sell them the rights for a 1 time printing. not the photos

wording is everything with these people.

Awais Yaqub · March 3, 2006

the only way to charge price is
"Slap according to face" (famous quote here among designers)
congratulation your work is great and it is worth printing
thanks

Lord Vetinari · March 5, 2006

Thanks for the comments.
Just wanted to try and make sure I didn't do anything totally stupid

:
Brian V.

jon3k · March 5, 2006

As someone else said, my only concern would be that you license the USE of the photos - don't SELL them outright. I would always want to maintain ownership of my own work (even if it ain't that great

)

Lord Vetinari · March 5, 2006

jon3k wrote:

As someone else said, my only concern would be that you license the USE of the photos - don't SELL them outright. I would always want to maintain ownership of my own work (even if it ain't that great )

I have confirmed with them verbally at the moment, that I retain copyright. So I guess I must be licensing them.
brian V.

ReneesEyes · March 6, 2006

If you want to get into this kind of thing, you may want to read "Sell and Resell your Photos" by Engh, and "The 2006 Photographer's Market", published yearly. Also worth looking into is "Business and Legal Forms for Photographers" by Tad Crawford.

Good luck! It sounds exciting. If they are coming to you, then half of the work is already done!

Idiot Amateur at work?

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