Help! Want to sell to newspaper.

[serissolutions]

I just photogaphed a climbing accident in a canyon. News crews were there, but I was there before them by chance. I photographed the early stages of the rescue before the news crews got there. I want to sell the photos to the news stations and newspapers. What is he going rate for freelance work in the USA?

[chrishunt]

For sporting events, I usually get $100 for 2 photos. I'm not sure if news stories run differently.

[gmen]

I just photogaphed a climbing accident in a canyon. News crews were there, but I was there before them by chance. I photographed the early stages of the rescue before the news crews got there. I want to sell the photos to the news stations and newspapers. What is he going rate for freelance work in the USA?Errrr... news is only news when it's new... how did you get on? Did you submit your images? Did the story get national coverage or was it just a local issue?

In the UK, national newspapers pay (fairly) standard rates for photographs from freelancers - rates will vary depending on positioning and size etc. A guide to UK rates is here: http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/phnatrat.html - I can imagine things being similar in the US. As with all these things, it's not quite as easy as just sending the pictures in and hoping for the best ;) ... it's all about communication... and/or getting your name out there ...and/or being represented by an agency.

Many national newspapers will pay these standard rates for 'everyday' news/sport images and are self-invoicing once you have provided them with your tax/employment details. You may still have to chase around to get paid, but most of the time you will get your money :lol:

You may need to negotiate a higher rate if your images are going to be exclusive to one publication or are of a very significant news event, etc.

However, if you haven't moved your images already, then this info is going to come far too late. If you are seeking to shift spot news images in the future, try to be armed with picture desk phone numbers and e-mail addresses (or even FTP details if you can get them)... contact the picture desk, tell 'em what you've got and wire immediately.

Sadly, sometimes being on the spot is still not enough... if the news breaks early in the day, many papers will send their own staff photographers or one of their regular feelancers to get pics later on if they can still achieve their deadline. Of course, if your images can not be reproduced or bettered (i.e. you caught the climbing incident as it happened) then you'll be in a much stronger position to sell them.

For sporting events, I usually get $100 for 2 photos. I'm not sure if news stories run differently.I'm afraid this is a long way off the mark for large regional or national newspapers... this would only really apply to local publications.

---- Gavin

[JD.]

I live in the LA suburbs, and the papers around here don't pay anything for images. I've had some good photos before and they wanted them but wouldn't pay.

[Mike Panic]

newspapers generally don't pay unless you are a working freelancer... if you want money for them, consider selling them as stock

if you want exposure, give them to the paper...

if you want the exposure and to get paid from the paper, contact the photo editor and see about becoming a freelance photo journalist... however its more then just a phone call.

[chrishunt]

I'm afraid this is a long way off the mark for large regional or national newspapers... this would only really apply to local publications.

Thanks Gavin, yes, this is for a local paper.

[serissolutions]

I contacted the TV station that was there and they refused to pay. I also contacted the biggest newspaper and they said the shots werent emotional enough.
I saw the mom weeping but I didnt shoot her because I thought it was disrespectful.
Oh well, first time attempt to sell a pic. I was at the right place at the right time but no dice!

[serissolutions]

Heres a sample of the pics:

http://www.serissolutions.com/jen/rescue/IMGP0010.jpg

http://www.serissolutions.com/jen/rescue/IMGP0014.jpg

[gmen]

I contacted the TV station that was there and they refused to pay. I also contacted the biggest newspaper and they said the shots werent emotional enough.
I saw the mom weeping but I didnt shoot her because I thought it was disrespectful.
Oh well, first time attempt to sell a pic. I was at the right place at the right time but no dice!
If the TV guys refused to pay you did the right thing in not supplying the image. If the newspaper wasn't interested then that's just the rub of the green... sounds to me like it was a useful experience though and that you'll be better prepared next time.

With the rise of the 'citizen journalist' and the amount of imagery that is being 'given away' for the sake of a 'byline' (aaaargh)... it's VERY refreshing to hear that you were looking to be compensated for your efforts and that you wouldn't budge on this.

Next time, you may well find yourself shooting the weeping mom. It's a personal thing... and the ethics of photographing grief is a thread in itself... but if you don't take the picture, then you can't choose (on reflection) what to do with it afterwards. Be discrete, be professional... and take the picture.

---- Gavin

[brivett]

I can see why they didn't sell... there's nothing in these pictures to suggest they are not a tuesday night practice... blood and tears are the differentiator.

It's a personal choice.

I'd draw the line at provoking tears but would have no hesitation in shooting those already flowing

Newspapers will pay for pictures they want... Most arn't short of things to fill the space between the adverts... so it's got to be relevant, have impact and be new news to sell.