First Real Event - Need advice

Hi everyone, I have a chance to shoot my first real event that is a motorcycle stunting event. On a whim, I emailed the event coordinator and asked if I could shoot the event and have access to the media area to do so. Expected no for an answer, but she replied and said no problem, she will have a pass for me to shoot trackside. I am not doing this in a professional realm, not looking for money, just amateur cause I love bikes and I want to get better at this. More or less portfolio pieces. In her reply she states that in exchange for this, they get copies of all footage after the event.
I emailed her back asking for a copy of the press agreement which she said she would supply, so here are my questions...
Copyrights - By them asking for copies, I am assuming they want to be able to use them for print purposes, etc.... I am fine with this, however, I still want to be the owner of the pics. And I want to be able to sell them via stock if that opportunity arises. Do you think they are asking for full rights? Or just usage rights? Also, if its just usage rights, do they have to display my name or give me credit for the pictures in any print material? I have heard of terms relating to dual copyright in instances like this, but really dont understand a lot of it.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Cory

First off I am new to photography, but I have started a business from the ground up that has tripled sales every year for the last 3 years. That being said, you dont want to sell yourself short and give things away that have value.

I can see myself in your situation, as it would be great to be track side taking pictures. (I am in the motorcycle business myself) I have been reading a lot on the business forum, and its amazing how many people have to ask what a picture is worth. If the person who took it doesnt know, how is the buyer supposed to know? In your case, I would ask if they consider paying a flat rate for the non edited pictures and call it a day with the stipulation that you have equal ownership of the photos to use in your own promotion. You wont get rich selling individual pictures, and I cant tell you the name of any photographer because his name appeared on a picture. Photo credit is more for your ego, than for monitary value in my book.

If they dont want to pay the flat rate for your pictures, use a telephoto and get images from the stands. Your services as a photographer taking pictures of their event with your own equipment is valuable to them. Wouldnt it be great if they paid 4 grand for camera equipment and gave YOU the pictures for free? That is your situation in reverse, and that is what I tell people when they ask me to e-mail my pictures to them. If they want free pictures, tell them you will use their equipment.

I know it goes against the grain to NOT try and milk every photo to the last dime, but I am willing to bet you will make more money and better use of your time getting paid as a photographer shooting for a flat rate than getting an additional 10 bucks for a photo someone wants to use. Personally I would rather get paid for my time than nickle and dime every photo, but then again I have two full time jobs and my time is more valuable to me.

If you are not looking at this from a professional standpoint, and you dont want money, then the issue of copyright shouldnt come up. The truth is you are doing this to get photos for revenue so its really bad to start your first gig doing things for free.

John

I agree with super bee if you are wanting to do them for free than just give them the pictures and don't worry about it. If they sell your pictures and make money then so be it. It really depends on what you want to do, try and make money at it or just use the practice with the hopes in time you can get paid for future events. I say do it for free give them pictures and on the CD you give them include a statment that your both share rights. That is my opion thou, any time I get access like this for an event that I normaly do not shoot I do it this way. It is easy for me since all my photography buisness is just extra money on the side.

Look at it this way, if you do it for free and they love your pictures they may want you back and then you can ask to get paid!

I am not worried about them selling the pics as much as me not being able to sell them at a later date. Guess I will get more details once I see the agreement. I know not to sell myself short with this, however the opportunities that can come from it as far as networking goes and getting my business out there, far exceed what I could make off this one event money wise. Its also 7 miles from my house and I expected to attend regardless anyways...This is just a bonus that I get to have a backstage pass so to speak...

In your place, I'd offer to give her a CD with web sized proofs (100KB), each with your © on them. Then offer the one-year non-exclusive rights to a few of the images. See what she says. Negotiate.
Put it into an "agreement" (contract) & have it signed.