Question re: working with UK regional press

Earlier this week I met with a picture editor for a group of local newspapers with a view to working on a freelance basis with them.

I outlined my preferred terms (ie, no freebies, have already had work printed, so to do it just to see name in lights is not my aim!) and then listened to his proposal for the relationship.

It formed 2 parts, the first exceeded what I had hoped for, the second didn't!

The first part was that I work as a contract photographer with them (evenings and weekends) and would be commissioned to shoot an event or events. The rate discussed was certainly fair and even at 2 or 3 comissions per month would provide a better income than taking a purely freelance approach. The paper very rarely offer this type of work (I am the only person in the last 18 months apparently), so am exceptionally happy with this aspect.

The second part is on weekends when I am not commisioned, then if I were to cover events, I could still provide photos for possible use in the paper. If they were used there would be no payment, only a byline.

So, here is my dilemma:

The first part is great as it will provide me a great deal of exposure to working for a paper and the challenges that go with that. It will also provide me with accreditation to a large number of events that would otherwise remain a closed door to me (League 1 and 2 soccer, Super League Rugby, National League Ice Hockey and Basketball etc).

The second part however is of more concern to me. I didn't originally considered "giving away" pictures in return for a byline (and had this been the only offer I would have refused to work on this basis). But, the income from commisioned work will cross subsidise the non-commissioned work and through the byline there is an opportunity to link into my site for online photo sales, which is something that the newspaper group don't currently do. Additionally, as I would have copyright of these photos there would be the opportunity to provide photos to other papers in the area as well as to papers in the local area of the visiting teams.

In terms of what I am looking for, primarily I'm looking for an income from my work through a number of difference revenue streams, as well as the opportunity to photograph larger scale events etc. In my view, the commisioned work, potential print sales and sales of photos to other papers and publications offsets the disadvantage of giving a few free prints to the paper.

What do people think of this as a deal? Am I worrying unduly?

I would renegotiate to avoid the weekend stuff as that's when you'd be very busy at fetes, galas and so on.

My local paper wouldn't pay for photos not taken by its own photographer or from a news agency. I offered a photo I had to an agency and had it published in a national paper for far more money instead even though it was more local news.

Best case scenario is:
They commission you loads and you build up a very lucrative partnership.
Worst case scenario:
They commission you infrequently, however now you have access to events, you go anyway and end up working for nothing.

Honestly, they have made no guarantee of no's of events that they'll pay you for, so you have nothing but goodwill between coming out rich or poor.

Phil V wrote in post #2206818
Best case scenario is:
They commission you loads and you build up a very lucrative partnership.
Worst case scenario:
They commission you infrequently, however now you have access to events, you go anyway and end up working for nothing.

Honestly, they have made no guarantee of no's of events that they'll pay you for, so you have nothing but goodwill between coming out rich or poor.

I hadn't thought of it like that but that's true. When you are asked to "trust" somebody is when you should run away very fast.

Guys,

Thank you for the advice - I had, in the confusion of wondering what to think, forgotten about the view as seen by Phil. So again, thank you.

I've had a call this morning (already, its only 8.10am here!) asking me to go out for them tomorrow to cover 2 events. Which is a good result.

However I will keep a wary eye on all this - I chatted to the picture editor and raised my concerns (as you guys have mentioned) and that on the weekends that I wasn't commissioned, I would be primarily providing pictures to publications that were paying. He seemed to understand this.

So, we shall see, I get the impression that this weekend is something of a trial so fingers crosssed that my abililty and composure doesn't decide to do a runner!!

Thanks again for the advice and comments, it really is appreciated.

Paul

So how did the weekend go Paul?

quote=Phil V;2219988]So how did the weekend go Paul?[/QUOTE]
Phil,

Firstly, thanks for asking and to answer your question - I felt it went rather well. Spoke to the picture editor who was pleased with the photos that I had submitted too, so a result all round!

I have to admit though that it was an eye opener. Its been about 8 years since I did paid photography work and I had forgotten how it changes the whole picture taking experience.

You get very used, when taking pictures for yourself, to being quite relaxed whilst taking the pictures - and the end of the day, should you miss the crucial moment, its not actually the end of the world.

In short, I loved it and that it forced me into thinking properly about the pictures I was taking and the story I was trying to tell.

Also had the strange experience of submitting photos which, under normal circumstances I wouldn't have given a second glance to, however, since they formed integral parts of the story, then they were vital parts of the submission.

The second half of the day at the rugby didn't go quite so smoothly, any decent light albeit vanished and the team I was covering were playing the top of the table team and were played off the pitch.

The club photographer walked off about 20 minutes in as he couldn't get anything remotely usable!!

Decent picture opportunities were few and far between - had I been taking pictures for myself I would have switched and just taken pictures of the opposition, but again, I was forced to try and create a set of pictures that told the general tale of "you got your butts kicked!!"

Anyway, will see what the next couple of weeks hold, will be mindful of the comments in here about the balance between the paid work and the other stuff.

In the meantime, will leave you with a couple of shots from yesterday.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice to my original question - it was much appreciated.

Paul

1. Despite being hammered in the forwards, this chap stuck it out all the way through and put in one gutsy performance. You wouldn't think he was a doctor by day!

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