Freelance contract from newspaper?

[sk8ty]

I recently was paid for images i submitted to a newspaper here in NYC. Along with the check there was a contract for freelance photographer. I am not familiar with contracts or freelancing or newspapers' practices. Can anyone tell me more about these contracts. I am not sure about the whole copyright issue with them etc. I am not even sure what the contract entails. If this is just paperwork they need filled out to have me on file. Thanks always!

[jacuff]

If you don't expect to be paid from them again, then don't sign it. However, being on contract as a stringer usually means you'll get a Press ID and they'll more likely use you for assignments as needed. That's your side of it and why it could be beneficial for you to sign it.

Here's there side of it. They want the copyright to your images so they will include a cause called Work Made For Hire. If they have you on contract under WMFH, they have more rights to the images you got paid for.

You need to aim for getting under contract that does not have WMFH.

[brownbugger]

I work as a stringer for a few places, the copyright is in my name in some & not mine in some cases.

[amfoto1]

Read the contract very, very carefully... If you don't understand something, ask.

They probably want you to sign over your copyright, or at least agree to give them exclusive usage for a period of time, and perhaps the right to resell the images via their wire services... Profitable to them, not to you.

Look for and consult with a contract attorney who is knowledgeable about copyright, before signing.

[MJPhotos24]

Can't tell you about a contract we can't see any of the details of. All of mine I own the copyright and all usage is one time, so if they use it twice they pay again, plain and simple.