Need assistance deciphering what to charge the client..

[FatNakedGuy]

Hello to all of you business photogs out there!

Per the email thread below, a potential client emailed regarding usage of an image, I busted out my "Third Edition Pricing Photography" book to work up a quote and then came to a screeching halt..

I've read the book a few times now but am still confused as to how to charge for this type of request (not the sharpest tool in the shed but I'm one hell of a guitar player!)

On page 111 and page 92, Stock Prices - Miscellaneous Recordings - RETAIL, if I am looking correctly, the average fee for a one time nonexclusive usage license on a cd enclosure for 1-5000 units would be around $650 (page 111 doesn't mention cd enclosures but page 92 does).

What I am not getting is their request for "world wide and in perpetuity", as well as what happens after the 5000 units "if the album takes off, there is no telling how many units". Also, the length of the usage agreement is fuzzy for me.

This is the third request from a well known artist for image usage and I blew the first one off because of the stress and lack of understanding. The second request (made last week as well) also came from a well known artist for an article in Guitar Player magazine (lucky me I guess). I haven't determined how to handle this one yet.. (photo credit?)

I am hoping to come away from this experience with a better understanding of the business side, as well as to make the experience for the artist/management a good one. Any help would be greatly appreciated and the steaks/beer are on me! And as always, THANK YOU for taking the time to read/respond. You guys are a fantastic resource in our community.

Rick




From: Meshelle
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:38 AM
To: Weller Photography

Hello Rick, thank you for your speedy response. We are interested in using the photo on the inside of Salvador’s CD, either under the CD or inside the booklet and on his website. The image will not be used for publicity. The image will may be reproduced 1 – 5000 units for CD use, but if the album takes off, there is no telling how many units. We would like world wide and in perpetuity, please let us know your thoughts. Thanks Again,

Meshelle



On 9/4/07 8:23 PM, "Weller Photography" wrote:
Meshelle,

Thank you for your interest in the images created of Salvador and band at the Galaxy Theatre. I truly enjoyed the passion and talent SSB resonated on stage, and look forward to creating great images of them in the future.

With regard to the image usage fee, price depends on usage, size, and many other factors. I will need to know the following information before a quote can be generated:

Where will the image be used? (magazine, poster, cd cover, website, etc)

How large will the image be reproduced? (full page, 1/2 page/ 1/4 page, billboard, etc)

How long of a time period will the image be used? (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, etc)

How many times will the image be reproduced? (<5000, 10,000, 100,000, etc)

What purpose will the image be used? (promotional, retail, etc)

Once these questions have been answered I will be able to generate a fair and responsible usage quote. Please be very specific with regard to usage as I may be able to give a better price.

Thank you for your time,

Rick Weller




On 9/4/07, Meshelle wrote:

Hello Mr. Weller, I am not sure if you received my email from last week? We
are interested in using the image of the Salvador Santana Band (see below)
for our CD art as well as for promotional purposes and we would like to
offer your $200 for the photo. Please let me know if you are interested ASAP
and we can send you a photo agreement.
Thank you so much for your time.

Meshelle

[michael_]

lol she offered $200.

ill wait for others to give you some info as i havent done much research on this, but i would say its alot more than $200

[FatNakedGuy]

...a friend of mine ust emailed this


It means they have all the rights to do what they want anywhere in the world forever. It's a total buyout...they will retain complete rights to those images.

It's actually fairly common in the TV and music business....however, for those types of rights, photographers get paid a lot more than $650. I don't know how much you want for it, but maybe say...$650 for publicity and advertising purposes and another $650 for merchandising rights. CD's are considered merch 'cause they get sold...so they would have to pay you the $1300. That wouldn't be that bad for a smaller band.

[Nightstalker]

Yeah, I agree with FatNakedGuy - they are quoting you a small run figure (5000 units) and are asking for worldwide usage rights without any time limitation on usage.

IMHO the language that they are using shows that they are experienced in this sort of deal and, no disrespect intended, your lack of understanding proves that you are not used to dealing with this sort of predatory company.

With an offer of $200 they are trying to have you over.

I'd be tempted to play them at their own game and either offer them a price schedule:

Exampe:

<5000 copies - $$$
5000 < 10000 copies $$$ + 50%
10,000 < 20000 copies $$$ + 100%

or offer them a rate of $$$ per 5000 run.

Not an easy decision but if they really want to use your images then you will be able to close the deal.

Good Luck.

[NZDoug]

www.blinkbid.com
Download the 14 day free trial.
Good luck.

[michael_]

mm blinkbid is damn good, im going to purchase it soon

[FatNakedGuy]

downloading right now! Thanks for the tip on the software.