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- Location
- Massachusetts, USA
I've never sold a file. Most photographers don't. We sell usage rights while retaining ownership of the copyright. There are many combinations of usage rights including time limits. Here's one example.
I did a session with a local musician. The intention was photos for promotional use. I charged a 1/2 day rate ($400, four hours on location) with the expectation of providing four finished images. Limited editing (30 min/image) to images approved by the client. Finished images approved by the client with one re-edit. Additional editing charged at my hourly rate. I don't remember the resolution I specified, but it was suitable for the permitted uses.
The usage rights were:
1. Any digital/online purpose, worldwide.
2. Any print use in the US including but not limited to newspaper, magazine and posters. (Print usage requiring higher resolution negotiable.)
3. Broadcast in the US limited to promotional and news purposes only.
4. These rights granted in perpetuity. I would normally set a time limit but this was a favor for a friend and it's unlikely the images will have any value to me in the future. Unless he becomes famous of course.
The cost could vary greatly depending on the use. If someone wants to use a high res image to make 100 fine art prints the price would be higher than 100 posters advertising a one time event. the cost of local use vs. national vs. worldwide will vary.
The bottom line is you're not selling the image. You're selling the right to use it. The cost varies with the use.
I did a session with a local musician. The intention was photos for promotional use. I charged a 1/2 day rate ($400, four hours on location) with the expectation of providing four finished images. Limited editing (30 min/image) to images approved by the client. Finished images approved by the client with one re-edit. Additional editing charged at my hourly rate. I don't remember the resolution I specified, but it was suitable for the permitted uses.
The usage rights were:
1. Any digital/online purpose, worldwide.
2. Any print use in the US including but not limited to newspaper, magazine and posters. (Print usage requiring higher resolution negotiable.)
3. Broadcast in the US limited to promotional and news purposes only.
4. These rights granted in perpetuity. I would normally set a time limit but this was a favor for a friend and it's unlikely the images will have any value to me in the future. Unless he becomes famous of course.
The cost could vary greatly depending on the use. If someone wants to use a high res image to make 100 fine art prints the price would be higher than 100 posters advertising a one time event. the cost of local use vs. national vs. worldwide will vary.
The bottom line is you're not selling the image. You're selling the right to use it. The cost varies with the use.
Thanks so much for you input and for sharing your experience! You are correct-I am selling usage as it is not exclusive and I retain the copyright to the image. I may have worded my question wrong. So - if I am understanding this correctly - you were commissioned to take photos and allow the use of a certain number of them for a specific amount - regardless of how many times the image was printed or otherwise used - there was no ‘per usage’ or ‘ per iteration’ charge - correct? The images I am allowing usage of are ones I had already taken - they’re local nature photography. They will be printed by my client’s vendor and framed by another. They will be used in a local hotel in each room. I imagine there will be some publicity as they promote the hotel and images may appear in print just in the background etc…
It sounds like I need to find out how to have a contract written for this as well. Did you use an attorney or do you have anywhere you can point me for something like that? Is there a standard somewhere for pricing something like this? I’ve really struggled to find anything similar that I can refer to. I suppose it may be different for every photographer and situation.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this- it is appreciated!
It sounds like I need to find out how to have a contract written for this as well. Did you use an attorney or do you have anywhere you can point me for something like that? Is there a standard somewhere for pricing something like this? I’ve really struggled to find anything similar that I can refer to. I suppose it may be different for every photographer and situation.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on this- it is appreciated!
- Location
- United States
- Name
- Carroll
A few years ago, I "sold" usage rights for 5 files for our local hospital remodeling/addition to the contractor's agent doing the work. I charged 150.00 per file. I requested my copyright and name remain on each image. Found a general contract on the internet and used that. It was for a "one time" use only. The images were framed and hung in various places in the hospital. They wanted "local" photographers images of the area.
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for me to sign as well. It is harder to know how to price several images that will be printed 15-100 times. I know it’s been done before but I can’t seem to find any information about others that have licensed their images this way.
It’s a nice way to make some money though! I’m trying to figure out if I should have the images printed with my signature as well.
I appreciate any tips or input on this topic!
Thank you so much! I’m trying to work out the license/contract right now! May go to an attorney since they’re using one and have a contract
for me to sign as well. It is harder to know how to price several images that will be printed 15-100 times. I know it’s been done before but I can’t seem to find any information about others that have licensed their images this way.
It’s a nice way to make some money though! I’m trying to figure out if I should have the images printed with my signature as well.
I appreciate any tips or input on this topic!
