Ever Hear Of "SCHMAP"?

[PhotoFranz]

The folks at "Schmap" (www.schmap.com (http://www.schmap.com)) contacted me and asked me if they could use a photo of mine that they found on my Flickr site. They do not pay you, but only use a small photo of 150 pixels that could not really be used by anyone. I will retain all rights to my photo.

I hope I did the right thing by saying yes. I never really thought about selling any photos anyway and this seemed flattering. Let me know what you think.

I have posted the photo on here before, so to keep from multiple posting, here is just a link to the photo they chose. It is a photo of a lion statue outside the Art Institute in Chicago decorated for Christmas:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3079297373_309a474fe5_o.jpg

[polarbare]

I've gotten a few requests from them, I always said no but there isn't a "right thing" to do so it's either/or. However, since they're in it to make money, and not giving you any of it, you'll probably have some people tell you that you shouldn't have. Just do what you think is best.

[PhotoFranz]

I've gotten a few requests from them, I always said no but there isn't a "right thing" to do so it's either/or. However, since they're in it to make money, and not giving you any of it, you'll probably have some people tell you that you shouldn't have. Just do what you think is best.

What you say is exactly right. I thought that since I was not going to make any $$ on it anyway, I can at least feel good that someone liked my picture enough to use it.

That picture was my Christmas card this year. At least I saved some money using it.

[tbfoto]

They do not pay you, but only use a small photo of 150 pixels that could not really be used by anyone.

Let's see...you liked the photo enough to post it here on the forum to show everyone, then you liked it enough to use it on your Christmas cards, then a company liked it enough to want it to use to help advertise their company. I would say that the photo has/had value. Too bad that you gave it away for nothing. I understand that it's hard to sell your photos to a company but giving them away just makes it harder in the future.

In my local town a FOR PROFIT hospital just built a new hospital. They held a "contest" for Framed art work (photos) to hang on the walls in the hallways. They selected several hundred images from local people (my guess is they kept all entries) and gave out first, second and third place's in several different categories .....Landscape...people...wildlife...etc. The prizes were nothing more than the good feeling you got from having won or not won. No cash or prizes were given out. The hospital now has a building full of framed "art" for which they got for free. I'm sure those who choose to give away their images have their reasons. All images have value.......What it's worth is up to you.

Tom

[GORDO]

If a person wanted to get his or her work out and be noticed,would'nt this be a good way to get noticed if he or she isnt really a pro and or does not expect huge gains from their images????

[canonnoob]

are they giving you credit for the image?

[PhotoFranz]

are they giving you credit for the image?

Yes, I will receive full photographer credit anytime it is used.

[tbfoto]

I'm not really saying that this was a bad thing for you to do. I was simply pointing out that your image did indeed have value. I have done several shoots for little or no money to help someone or organization out. I was simply referring to the OP's thought that it was a shot that no one would want anyway.

Tom

[PhotoFranz]

Actually, I did not think no one would want it, really. I guess what I am trying to say is that I have no real desire to make an effort to make money off my photography.

[Hotsauce]

I had one of my photos selected and chosen for the final Seattle Guide :) Personally I had no problem letting them use it because 1. I have been at photography for just over a year and only have a point and shoot so I wouldn't really know how to go about asking for money and 2. It gets people directed to my flickr page and lets them see some of my other work so im happy with that :) Congrats PhotoFranz!

[PhotoFranz]

Thanks Hotsauce, you kind of summed up my feelings.

[riverrat373]

That's one way to build a portfolio so that you can make money!

[maranelloboy05]

I just got a request from them and it made me a bit mad, first my photos are All Rights Reserved so no CC License, second there is not mention of who keeps the rights, it seems like they could take all the rights to your photos for absolutely nothing. I just wish they would ask before putting my photo into their site.

[coralnutz]

I just got a request from them and it made me a bit mad, first my photos are All Rights Reserved so no CC License, second there is not mention of who keeps the rights, it seems like they could take all the rights to your photos for absolutely nothing. I just wish they would ask before putting my photo into their site.

Well unless you sign away the rights, they can't just "take" them from you...

[digirebelva]

If a person wanted to get his or her work out and be noticed,would'nt this be a good way to get noticed if he or she isnt really a pro and or does not expect huge gains from their images????
Thats exactely what the companies are hoping is the attitude of most..that way they get free use of the images...and maybe you get noticed & maybe you dont, depends on how the contest was setup...

I used to enter every contest i could to get noticed...then I really began to pay attention to the details of the contests (plus reading the posts on here about contests) and realized that alot of them (closer to all) are simply setup as a way of getting free use of images they might otherwise have to pay for...yes you retain all rights to said photo, but they basically get to use it how ever they like with no further compensation to you. Iamgine seeing a billboard of 1 of your photos..with no comp forthcoming..;)

[PhotoFranz]

I just got a request from them and it made me a bit mad, first my photos are All Rights Reserved so no CC License, second there is not mention of who keeps the rights, it seems like they could take all the rights to your photos for absolutely nothing. I just wish they would ask before putting my photo into their site.

In the request they made to me, they speciffically said that I retain full rights. It also said this on the website I went to to make a decision. In all fairness to me (I do not want to look foolish here) I neven intended to sell any photos in the first place.

I am just a retired old guy who loves taking vacation photos. Don't get me wrong, If someone offered me money for one of my photos (perhaps for the right one of my children) I am sure I would not say no.

Lastly, I had the right to refuse. The DID NOT use my photo without permission. In fact, they asked for my permission to put it into a final selection process.

I am happy I said yes and I am flattered to have been asked.