Help!

[Flowerpot]

Hi,

I'm a relative newbie to photography (started seriously in May 07).

I have (over the last 3 months ish) been submitting photos to the 2 local papers in my area.

On friday, my sister-in-law spotted one of my photos (credited to me) in a local newsletter. I contacted this newsletter to find out where they got my photo (nobody told me it was going to appear), and to see if they would be interested in any more of my photographs in the future.

She's come back to me today to advise it was the bigger of the 2 local newspapers that provided the image, and that she would be interested in my local photos in the future for this and other publications.

It's given me a little confidence boost in knowing that people are willing to use my photos, but I'm not sure how to play things from now.

I love love love photography - and the idea of taking pictures, getting published and getting my name out there is very appealling. However, so is the prospect of getting paid for it, if I can!!

This is where I'm stuck. I need to respond to this lady about providing photos in the future, and I want to start submitting photos to the 2 newspapers on a regular basis.

Is there anyone that can help me with the wording for these emails? I obviously don't want to scare people off by demanding payment, and am I'm not expecting to make my fortune doing this believe me! But I don't want to be taken for a mug and not be paid for something when I really should be.

Can anyone help? Or give me some advice on what I can expect from these guys?

Also, what should I send in the way of images...I know I need to keep them small...but what size? Do I need a watermark? Anything else to stop them taking the pee?!

Thanks in advance,

Flowerpot x

[Nightstalker]

Sorry to be blunt mate but if your willing to "work" for free you could and in all probability are taking food from the mouth of someones children. If they use your photo then they should pay you and you should demand it.

They will have set rates that they pay but you should also read up on the NUJ website http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.html it's the best place I know that will give you an indication if they are taking the mick.

[blackshadow]

Look for professional photographer organisations - they should be able to assist you with what you need.

[Mike R]

Two local papers wanted me to take a shot (they got my name from someone who saw my work) One paper offered $35 plus credit. The other paper said that they do not pay and only give credit to their staff photographers, she then had the nerve to ask if I would supply them with the high school sports photos I take.
So, they have photographers on staff, who apparently are too lazy to go to a game, and they want me to supply shots for free and without credit.
Until they change their compensation and credit policy, the other paper will be the only one publishing my photos.