Selling to a Magazine

[gregkendallball]

Hi all,
I've spent some time reading through the various threads here, and I think I know the answer, but I wanted to check with some others...

A magazine has approached me about the use of one of my photos. Initially I panicked because I did not obtain a model release for the photo's subject. But, it seems the photo will be used in an editorial way, to add to an article on a particular place.

So, it would seem that it would be okay to sell this image, even without a model release (the subject was in a public space...basically a busker). Since the photo is not to be used by the magazine commercially (i.e., not an advertisement), this seems above board, right?

And, anyone got any ideas on how to price something like that? This is a first for me, and I have no clue...

[John Mireles]

You are correct in assuming that since the photo will be used in an editorial manner, it doesn't require a model release. The key is that the use should be in some way newsworthy. If it's an ad or somehow used to promote the magazine, then a model release would be required.

How much to charge will depend mostly on the size of the image and the circulation of the magazine. A bigger image in a larger circulation magazine should pay more than small image in a local pub. Does the magazine have rates? Are they acceptable to you? Usually, rates are fairly well established by the magazine and it's up to you to either accept, reject or renegotiate them. If nothing else, the set rates are good starting point for discussion.

John

[gregkendallball]

John,
Thanks for the reply.

The publisher approached me, and asked about my rates, and as I don't really *have* rates, I was somewhat at a loss. The magazine is the inflight magazine for one of the world's leading airlines, and I'm assuming the number of people who would read it in any one month is in the tens of thousands :)

I'll be sure to check with the publisher and see if they have standard rates. I appreciate the feedback.

[PhotosGuy]

Editorial Photographers Price Estimator (http://www.editorialphoto.com/resources/estimator/estimator.asp)

[John Mireles]

Greg:

Go to gettyimages.com and sign in. Then click on any image and select the "price" link. You'll need to know the circulation and size of the printed image in order to receive a quote. If this is a big magazine, they use Getty all the time so they should be used to their pricing. Don't be afraid to charge more since, if they're asking for your image, that means that they couldn't find one they liked on Getty. That makes it worth more.

John