a Strange request...

[CMax]

hi everyone, I do a lot of event photos in my city and took a picture of someone who committed suicide a few days after I took the picture(not my fault). I get an email from someone who wants to do a memorial tribute to him in a magazine and wants to use the photo. Should I price the photo as I do the rest?

[CanadianKitKat]

I personally think I'd just donate it - the family has enough to deal with right now and could use some kindness I'm sure.

[bwolford]

I would print an 8X10 for them, maybe a 16X20.

[LBaldwin]

Yes, Unless it was a friend of yours you should charge. I was going to say comp it, but I got to thinking that the tribute may not be what you think it is. If it was a non-profit org or other situation where they are not making a profit from the sale of mag then I'd say comp it. If they charge, you should too. There will be those that buy the mag just to read the story - bottom line get paid.

Yes I understand that it seems unfeeling, and you might lower your rates for this shot. But in order for the editor to understand that you are a pro you need to charge. Also what happens if this becomes the last image taken. If for some reason a TV story is done you want to maintain copyright - so get it registered ASAP.

Limit usage to OTNASR, charge for it, register it. Don't waive your professional business practices for what could be a (unfortunate) moneymaker.

[superdiver]

I would charge the usual and customary fee if you were shooting the scene for work.

But if I was just shooting for fun I would donate it to them.

I think as long as you dont overcharge them you can do whatever and be "ok".

[BaliHai]

I would give it to the family, same thing happened here young girl killed in traffic accident and we have her image with her mother at a wedding we photographed. No second thoughts here that image goes to the family free of charge.

[Bill Roberts]

In life there are times to be a hard hearted businessman and equally times to show a bit of compassion. At worst you get cheated out of the cost of one image... big deal.

You must make your own decision on this one but I know what I'd do...

[CMax]

thanks for the advice, its a free magazine by the way. I was going to donate it and tell them i wanted my name alll over it for free advertisement. Or do a few dollars to pay for my gas this weekend and free advertisement.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by CMax

thanks for the advice, its a free magazine by the way. I was going to donate it and tell them i wanted my name alll over it for free advertisement. Or do a few dollars to pay for my gas this weekend and free advertisement.

I agree with you're thought. I'd just have a one liner though below it "photo courtesy of ... " or "photo donated by ... " and not plaster it everywhere (you probably didn't mean it that way). You wouldn't want to look like you're gouging especially when you're donating.

I would also make sure (in writing) the "one-time use" status of the photo and any other usage needs to be discussed again.

Interesting situation though.

[Black Dots]

I think jseivert nailed it.

[short5]

Oh crap get over the greed and send them the photo. How much do you charge for a photo? Is it going to make or break you? If not I am surprised you took the time to even think about it. Put it somewhere for them to down load, email it to them and if you can afford the $5 have a print sent to them.

[SBCmetroguy]

Nothing I can say that hasn't been said, but for the record I think suicide is one of the most horrible things that can happen to a person. How bad things must have gotten for that person to do that to himself/herself. Never in a million years would I even think about compensation in any form, not even from a magazine or other advertising/news source. I would do what my heart compelled me to do, and that would be to just donate the image and move on.

[CMax]

yeah, im just going to donate it for a one time use and move on, have nothing more to do with it.