A first customer? Where do I start?

[goobers314]

I have a photoblog (http://benjimast.com) and I received a comment recently that has gotten my hopes up that I might have a sale. I know I really want this one, its my first real opportunity. I also know that I don't want to undersell myself. I am seventeen and have been easing into photography in my spare time for the last year and a half and hoping to grow it as an income, but haven't really yet... I really hope you guys can help me out on this one.
How much leverage do I have? I want to get a good price for it, even though I'd be happy if they'd just use it, I know that isn't really a good habit to get into.

This is the comment:

Hello Benji,
I love this picture! I work for an agribusiness association in the Midwest and wondered if I could use the photo in a save-the-date postcard to about 15-20 legislators for our winter convention and legislative conference. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Ginger

This is my reply via email:

Ginger,
Thank you for you interest in that picture of the grain elevator on Benjimast.com. I would be happy to talk about selling the photo for the postcard you mentioned for the conference. If you are still interested, I would like to know what the usage would be and what sort of budget you have for the a photo before we can move on.
--Benji

I will keep you posted with their response.

[NickSimcheck]

Agriculture = little money.

But your email was the correct reply. You could use one of those caulculators to determine what to ask, then cut it in half.

[goobers314]

Thanks for the help Nick. Anyone else?

[canonphotog]

Benji,

I hate to be negative here, but from the message you've posted from Ginger, I'm pretty sure she was looking for a yes or no sans fees. IMO it's unlikely you'll hear from her again.

If it's any consolation, I do hope I'm wrong and look forward to hearing how this turns out for you.

Ken

[goobers314]

Benji,

I hate to be negative here, but from the message you've posted from Ginger, I'm pretty sure she was looking for a yes or no sans fees. IMO it's unlikely you'll hear from her again.

If it's any consolation, I do hope I'm wrong and look forward to hearing how this turns out for you.

Ken

Thanks for the honesty. I still haven't recieved a reply yet so I'm begining to have doubts about their intentions to pay anything close to market price if anything.

[blackshadow]

I could use the photo in a save-the-date postcard to about 15-20 legislators for our winter convention and legislative conference.

Benji, it seems she spelled out exactly what she wanted to use the photo for. It's only for cards to be sent to 15 or 20 people. A better approach would be to call Ginger and speak to her directly. Why not suggest sure you can use this photo but why don't you hire me to take photos of the convention.