Got an interesting email reply

I asked for a media pass for a motorsports event, and here's the reply I received verbatim:

"This being said, as you are not directly linked to any type of
publication we would like to ask in return that you supply us with the
pictures you have taken and allow us the rights to use them."

My question is, what do I tell them? I mean, sure I'd LIKE to shoot, but I guess the question I need to answer for myself is do I want to shoot for free for these guys

Might want to ask if "allow the rights to use" includes appropriate compensation as well.

Are you trying to make money off them? Or just doing it for fun? If you're just doing it for fun you lose nothing by giving them the images. You could reply "what are your standard payment terms" or something like that if you wanted to, but they might not give you a pass if you do that.

I might be doing it for fun, but I certainly am not doing it for free.

It's like what I said to another acquaintance of mine: The only person who gets my stuff for free is me I lose out by giving them images because now they'd EXPECT me to give it out everytime from this point forward.

Going to sit on this a few days before I fire them a reply. I don't want to do it for free, and as long as they're reasonable about it, I'll probably shoot anyway. If they ARE going to press for free, well then it'll obviously not be full size high res.

what needs to be clarified is wether they want exclusive rights to the photos. they do ask for the pictures and the right to use them, but do not ask for exclusive rights.... might not be a bad idea to get started. you might ask them for a token payment of $10 for the pictures so you did not do this for free and they can see you are serious about your work.

You could counter with One Time Rights in only certain mediums such as print or TV or ads or with limited markets like USA only (where you retain ALL rights elsewhere), or do a limited by time where they have the option to use for up to x number of months or one year after which ALL rights revert to you automatically.

There are many ways to configure this. And all of the above would be at some rate agreed to in advance by both parties. This may be reduced from what you would want from others but still something that goes toward covering your time and investment and maintenance of equipment.

I wouldn't bother with a token payment, no point. I also don't see how it helps them to have you there, offering to sell them images, when the press will be there already - unless they want more photos that is.

If you were with a publication, they'd at least be getting publicity. Ask yourself... What's in it for them?

You aren't shooting for free. You're trading images for creds & the access to shoot the images in the first place. Which is why they said, "we would like to ask in return that you supply us with the
pictures you have taken and allow us the rights to use them."

I have to agree with PhotosGuy. If I were to go to the local dragstrip (not saying you are going to the dragstrip) and ask for a pass, just so I could get some close up shots for myself, I would expect not to get one since I have no association with the press. If they did tell me they would give me one, if I gave them rights to my images, I would take them up on it.

You have to ask yourself, why do I want this pass.
Are you just wanting shots for your portfolio? If so, then why not let them use the images.

I wouldn't give up ownership, but I see nothing wrong with letting it be a win-win situation and letting them have rights to their use.

You are not shooting for free, they are giving you a pass.
Passes are not easy to come buy. Usually you have to be
with the media to get a pass. I can remember many years
ago If you wanted a pass to shoot the Long Beach Grand Prix
and were not working for the media you would have to pay
$150.00 for one.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5699378
You aren't shooting for free. You're trading images for creds & the access to shoot the images in the first place. Which is why they said, "we would like to ask in return that you supply us with the
pictures you have taken and allow us the rights to use them."

I agree with this but I'd also ask for a by line in any photos they used and you to retain full ownership of the photos. Win-win all around. They can use them and you can still market them to the drivers/teams for sale.
Hmm, I may try and use this as a bargaining chip next time I request access to my local track and get shot down.
Good luck in your decision!

Take two CF cards with you...............

I did this exact thing with a motorcycle stunt competition. They asked for copies...they didnt specify what size copies so they got web ready images... It was worth it, I love motorcycling anyways and it got me into the event and behind the scenes for free where I wouldnt normally get to go.

Just have to keep in mind, that most likely this is a closed event and any photos taken inside their "lines" they have rights to anyways....just like NFL football or any other professional sports...you cant profit off them...