Question Regarding Usage Of Photo

OK gang. I make no bones about it. I am a rank amateur. I do this because I like it. It's fun. Every once in a while I get lucky and make an image that is particularly good. When I do, I often take it in to my local Camera Shop/Processor and they ask me if I do this for myself or do I sell the photos. The answer always is I do it for myself.

This morning I got an e-mail from a person representing their state's fish and game commission who is working on Important Bird Areas and identifying breeding areas of Harlequin Ducks. He saw my images that I had posted on one of the photo storage websites a while back and wrote to ask if he may have permission to use one of the photos (a female Harlequin) in a poster for identification purposes.

I'm flattered. It is an early photo and not one that I necessarily thought was THAT good. I don't have any problem with him using it but is there anything I should be careful of?

Wow...congrats! Hmm....not sure. I would just make sure you get credit for it, maybe a watermark on the photo with your name. Someone else may have better info, just wanted to say that's great news. Keep us posted!

You might find something here, or certainly get an answer quicker.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=23

Well done! Tell them to use it with all credit due the photographer, and then show it off to everyone who slows down passing your desk at work. Congrats!

Why not get paid for your hard work? It seems people are just content to take credit for there work instead of getting paid for it. Just doesn't make any sense to me. Then again if you don't give him an image someone else will.

Just depends on where you want to draw the line. Some places can get carried away if you send them a full res image to use it for whatever pupose they want so if it were me and I was doing it for free I would grant them a license stating specifically what uses were allowed. If that doesn't really bother you then don't worry.

Some questions?

Are they selling the poster? Would you care?
Could they put your photo in a book and sell it? Would it bother you if you went into a park shop and your photo was being sold? Would you care?

One other aspect is what changes might be allowed when they print the photo. Do you care if they crop, rotate, white balance or just print a crop of the bird's head?

First, verify the email person. I have had people ask me questions about purchasing a photo only to get my email address. Weeks later I was getting tons of spam and never heard from the guy again.
Second, get a copy of their contract (or release) before you decide. Read it over carefully. They will probably ask for one time rights. Make sure the copyright remains with you. See an attorney if necessary.
Third, congrats. It's good to get opinions, but the final choice will be yours. --Rick

Only you know the quality of your work. If you do it for the fun of it don't worry about payment. Ask them to give you full credit and that it cannot in any way be used for profit. I know that's contrary to what a lot of people will tell you but why turn a hobby into a business. Enjoy sharing your passion with others. Just my opinion.

Thanks folks. I have contacted the person and asked for more specific information on usage, etc. His e-mail address is one of those us.state.gov (or something like that) addresses so I think he is legit. If it for conservation usage, I think I will give him permission for a one time use. If it is hunting-related, I won't give permission. Harlequins are just too beautiful to shoot!

Mturnbo wrote in post #3243830
If you do it for the fun of it don't worry about payment.

I agree, I would ring the guy and ask what the usual deal is, if they usually pay then accept it, if they don't, does it really matter?
It won't make you rich and it won't make you famous, but you can get some satisfaction from it, and maybe a good contact.