Licensing Images Advice

[nevets2001uk]

I've got a possible job coming up to photograph a Ferrari owned by a local sports car rental company. I've sent some samples of my work and may soon be required to quote for the job. From what I understand he would like to use the photographs in printed advertising and on their website and I'm trying to figure out how I should charge for this.

I have an idea of the set price for the photoshoot and for advanced retouching of the images should he require it but I'm not sure how I should organise the licensing of these images. I feel it's fair to expect an extra fee for images that will be used by him for advertising as a normal photoshoot would only include a free print(s) and others would be charged for. Firstly am I right to be thinking of charging an additional licensing cost?

If so how best might I do it? Two ways I can see are to charge more for the photoshoot which would then include all photographs in high res digital format for his royalty free use, or secondly charge the usual photoshoot price and then a per image charge for the licensing (with the possibility of a bulk price for a set number of images). I would of course have him sign an agreement on the appropriate use of the images. I don't want to overcharge or seem greedy but at the same time need to set a fair standard that I will work to. I was thinking also that I could offer a reduced licensing charge is he agreed that each image used would be accompanied by a credit to me and my website?

I've asked a lot of questions here but I'm basically after any advice relating to this job that you can think of. This sort of business work is new to me and I want to get it right!

Cheers,
Steve

[imagesbytlp]

Steve...I just went through the same thing...I find this to be the most difficult part of being in the business!

My Client wanted the rights to the image...so, of course, I charged a good amount more since I wouldn't be getting additional monies for future requests for that image. The best advice I got here, was to check locally for comparible pricing. I know, locally, photographers were not eager to give out this info...but, I was fortunate enough to find someone here that lives close to me and was able to give me a little insight into local fee rates. I also have a sister-in-law that is a marketing director and she told me how much her company was charged for a similar shoot by a local big photography studio...I charged about half.

I think that pricing is a lot different when dealing on a corporate level...your image could make them a substantial amount of money...so, it's not unreasonable to expect that they pay more for your time/effort and image. Personally, I would go with option number two...charge per image (but, that's me)...bulk rate reminds me of a warehouse store...and your an artist!

Hope this helps...
~Terri

[MoboHaji]

I think I'd lean towards a higher set fee that includes X number of images that he can chose form the batch as the ones he wants for ad purposes. I personally don't like being charged extra for things especially when the whole purpose of him asking for the shoot was to use them in ads. If you are worried about losing to much money this way, you can always set limitations in the copyright agreement. Be they time limited or media type limitations.

[imagesbytlp]

I think, what I was trying to say was...set a price per image w/rights...give him the proofs to look through and he can choose which ones he wants, knowing what the cost is per. That way he may actually buy more than he may have with a batch...would you purchase more than what came with the package?
~Terri

[nevets2001uk]

Thanks for the input Keith and Terri.

It's a tough choice as both options have their pros and cons as far as I can see. In this case I think I have to agree with Keith. Since the owner is coming to me with the expectation to use the images for advertising from the start then I think I should offer a package that at least includes some royal-free images for their advertsing use. Additional images could then be licensed a per image fee should he require them. I think in the client's position I'd expect to be offered a service for a fixed price that provides the results I need.

I have to agree Terri that once they've brought a package deal with a fixed number of images they may be less likely to purchase additionals. This doesn't bother me too much though so long as I get paid for what they use and offer a fair service to the client.

Perhaps though the images from the package could have limited media type restrictions and the requirement to include a credit to me? That way both the client and myself benefit from the package option. Does that sound reasonable?

Any further thoughts on this?

Cheers,
Steve

[EricvZ]

Steve, maybe this thread wil give you some helpfull info ... http://www.photozo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8410
read the two pages, some more info in the links that Stephen has written down.

[MoboHaji]

I'd not require a copyright tag with the images. If he is going to use them in ads like he says, that will not be appropriate. You never really see a photographers name next to an image in an ad.

[mgbeach]

I think you're best off separating the quote into two; set one price for the labor of taking the photos and editing them. Then offer several licensing options (none of which should include your revocation of copyright) at various price points. Give several options for length of time, type of usage, and exclusive/nonexclusive use. Keith is right, though, if they are to be used for adertisements I'd leave the copyright notice off. In the US at any rate, that actually doesn't offer you any extra protection anyway.

[nevets2001uk]

Eric - Thanks for that link. A handy thread and some good links too. I haven't had time to follow them all yet but wil keep reading.

Keith - You're probably right, although I was perhaps thinking of offering a reduced cost for licensing if he agreed to include a credit / link to my website ect. The possible extra customers could pay for the reduced licensing cost? If he's not happy with a credit then he could pay the extra for the next licensing option that negates the need to credit me?

Michael - Thanks for the advice. I think that's how I'd approach it. Offer my standard price for the photography and editting (Not sure what that price should be just yet!) and then give him some pricing options for various licensing agreements.

I must admit that my knowledge of the licensing options are not great. For example I'm not exactly clear on what exclusive and / non-exclusive would be? Can you offer some examples of what rights you can grant and what a 'standard' style licensing agreement might contain? I guess in ths case some kind of royalty free license with various restrictions would be the norm?

Cheers,
Steve

[MoboHaji]

Since he wants them for ads, I'd only release them for advertisement purposes to include print and internet usage. You will want to have a property release agreement signed by him as well. This will insure you can use the rest of the photos for pretty much whatever you would like.

[nevets2001uk]

Sounds sensible Keith. I already had it in the back of my head to get a property release. That way I can use the shots in my own portfolio.

Cheers,
Steve