They want to use my pictures....

[Apshiso]

Hi All,

I attended a convention and brought along my camera because I had it surgically attached years ago :o) There were several people (booth vendors, guest speakers, Sponsors etc) who requested specific image copies (them speaking, or their products at the show)

Just curious how you folks might handle the initial response/ transaction - I would normally think to request everything up front in the first e-mail (if I were solicited) like how they plan to use, for how long, price etc. But this is "incidental" business and I don't really want to scare away the prospective buyer right off.

Any thoughts? I read through many pages of posts and searched a bit but came up empty - lots of stuff on stock sales and copyright etc.

Any and all advice (on topic) is encouraged and appreciated. - Thanks!

[RandyMN]

I wonder if they don't expect a free copy. Every one wants stuff for free! Have you read the Craigslist ads?

[Apshiso]

Yeah, I'm sure they do - which is why I want to be more diplomatic about it.

The question I forgot to ask is - How would you handle showing them the initial image - send a crappy, low-res copy or is there some way to lock the image from copying and editing via e-mail that photogs use?

I have never dealt with images in this format before - usually people see your work posted somewhere else - or in print - like stock photos etc. and already know what they want. In this case - they have not seen the pics - just asked if I had some with them and/or their product at the show - and could they get a copy from me.

As many, I am very sensitive about "giving" any images away and do not want them to expect something for nothing from me or other photographers. So I want to handle this without scaring them off but still get the sale and credits.

What is the deal with craigslist - what should I look for for my daily dose of aggrevation??

[Apshiso]

Doesn't seem to be much interest in this - 120 views and 1 reply (thanks RandyMN)

Well I guess I will just watermark them and tell them if they want the rights to use - then state the terms and I'll give them a price.

I guess no one else has had this experience.

Cheers!

[Tee Why]

I think if you don't know these folks, I would offer some terms and see.
If they don't want to pay fine, if they do fine. I personally would ask for $100 per picture for them to have the rights to.
It does sound like that they want a free copy and that they will balk at being asked to pay.

Good luck.

[Zansho]

OR you could ask them for some sample goodies from the show :) FREE CANON 70-200 2.8 IS! (Yeah, right.)

I'd just put out feelers to see how interested they are. Then go from there and see, find out what they intend to do with the image and how long they plan to use it for, and price accordingly.

[RandyMN]

What is the deal with craigslist - what should I look for for my daily dose of aggrevation??

Look at the photography ads on Craigslist. Both what is being offered as well as what is being sought after. You'll understand.

[amfoto1]

First thing I'd do is call or email them and ask them what they want to use the photos for.

If they just want a 4x6 to post in their cubicle, I'd be inclined to print one out and send it to them, just for the goodwill. You never know when someone might be the photo buyer in a position to say yea or nay about your submissions. Or might be able to introduce you to the person at their company who does buy photos. Or, when someone else might wander by and see the photo hanging on the wall and ask, "Think we can get a copy of that to use in our annual report?"

If they answer with any other ways they want to use it, you'll have a better idea what to ask in return.

Until then, you're just guessing.

[PhotosGuy]

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