Media company wants my aviation photo for an article

I got an email from MSN asking if they can use an aviation photo I took for an article.
In return I get the satisfaction of having my name credited to the photo.

They asked me if I was the copyright holder and could I grant them permission to show it on MSN. But the photo prominently shows the aircraft owners business logo, which is a flight school and charter service, along with the tail number. Not knowing the legal side of photography, I wonder if it's legal for me to grant them the use of the photo.

Any opinions?

I dont know but I wonder 2 things: were you in a "legal" or public place when you took the pic?
and 2, realistically if you aren't making $ off it what would they get out of a lawsuit?

(I'm asking for my own knowledge as well)

Have MSN provide you the details of exactly how/where/when they wish to use the photo in writing and then with that in hand ask the business owner whose logo is visible if he'll grand permission for the use MSN wants. Don't assume that "any publicity is good publicity" for the business owner because MSN may want to use the photo in an article or context that casts or may by some be perceived to cast the business in a negative light.

And, at the same time that you ask MSN for the details of how they wish to use the photo also ask them how much they are prepared to pay for the use.

StevePhoto wrote in post #15419769
Have MSN provide you the details of exactly how/where/when they wish to use the photo in writing and then with that in hand ask the business owner whose logo is visible if he'll grand permission for the use MSN wants. Don't assume that "any publicity is good publicity" for the business owner because MSN may want to use the photo in an article or context that casts or may by some be perceived to cast the business in a negative light.

And, at the same time that you ask MSN for the details of how they wish to use the photo also ask them how much they are prepared to pay for the use.

Thanks for the advice. MSN is writing an article about unique learning opportunities, so I believe they wanted my photo because the aircraft is owned by a flight school. I sent the flight school an email explaining the circumstances, and asked if I can let MSN use the photo.

If MSN wants it for editorial purposes and you took the photo from a place where the flight school had no reasonable expectation of privacy, then as I understand the world, you're completely in the clear to do as you will with the image.

I agree though that clarification is needed as to intent. Not from a legal standpoint so much but maybe more of a Karmic / Relationship point of view. If you have any contact with said school, then the phrase "Don't SH*T where you EAT" comes to mind.

The photo was taken at an air show where the flight school is based. They were giving rides at the time. I don't know anyone at the airport, I just attend the show every year.

I thought the decent thing to do would be to ask permission from the flight school before giving the photo to MSN. But they have not replied to my email, so it looks like my chance at fame has slipped away.