So someone wants to use one of my shots...

Hi,

I ordered a canvas print of one of my shots for my wife for her birthday. I received an email from the company who did it asking if they could use it on their website and in future promotional and advertising material. The email is below but it sounds to me like they want to use it free of charge, which obviously I won't be allowing.

"Hi Colin,

I hope you were pleased with the canvas you recently ordered from us.

I’m always on the lookout for good customer images that we can put onto the website or use in future promotional materials or print ads, and I saw yours. Would you give us permission to do this with your lovely image of the dog looking out into the sunset?

Let me know.

All the best and thanks again for your order.

Sara"

So I replied basically saying that I would be looking for some kind of payment and asking what their budget is for these kind of things, as you can see.

"Hi there,

Yes, I was very pleased with the canvas and was really impressed with
the speed of delivery so thanks for that.

As for the photo, I'd be more than happy to grant you a license to use
it for a specific time. As I'm sure you'll understand, since it is to
be used in promotional and advertising material, I would be looking
for payment of some sort. How long would you be interested in using it
for and how much of a budget do you have for these sort of things?

To see some more of my work you can have a look at my websites here:

http://elfyphotography​.webs.com
http://elfyportfolio.w​ebs.com

Thanks again,

Colin"

From the tone of their email, I get the impression that they get a lot of their images from non-photographers who are delighted to be seeing their photos printed and used in adverts but don't necessarily want payment. I just want to know, and I know this is a commonly asked question, but what the hell should I be charging for this kind of thing? And have I approached it in the right way with my reply?

If they don't have a "budget" you could ask for print credits?

misskitty5077 wrote in post #8660305
If they don't have a "budget" you could ask for print credits?

I disagree with giving away an image without monetary compensation or for just a photo credit.

So where is said shot?

noxcuses1 wrote in post #8660476
I disagree with giving away an image without monetary compensation or for just a photo credit.

i think he means credit for printing through their shop, not just photo credit.

misskitty5077 wrote in post #8660305
If they don't have a "budget" you could ask for print credits?

Yeah, I suppose I could although I would prefer to be paid. As it happens, I've had no reply from them today so I assume they wanted a freebie.

noxcuses1 wrote in post #8660476
I disagree with giving away an image without monetary compensation or for just a photo credit.

Me too.

sheik*yerbouti wrote in post #8660620
So where is said shot?

Oh yeah sorry, it's this one:

CosmoKid wrote in post #8660727
i think he means credit for printing through their shop, not just photo credit.

I think you're right.

tbh, the dog deserves some nice toys as payment as well

Nice photo. I suspect they'll say "haha no", but if they offer you something great. If not take it as a compliment and move on

tim wrote in post #8675148
Nice photo. I suspect they'll say "haha no", but if they offer you something great. If not take it as a compliment and move on

LOL, I wouldn't take it as a compliment. If my lab did this to me, I would probably switch labs and tell them why.

I have worked with labs for many years. It is a very common practice to use client images in promotion of the labs services on websites, conventions, print material and generally around the office. There is almost always a photo credit.
I have often been the one to request permission for the use. I have not had a client request payment for it. Professional courtesy usually prevailed.
My guess is you may get a cheerful email thanking you but not an offer for payment. At the most, maybe a discount or lab credit.
On another note, great shot!

zagiace wrote in post #8676335
I have worked with labs for many years. It is a very common practice to use client images in promotion of the labs services on websites, conventions, print material and generally around the office. There is almost always a photo credit.
I have often been the one to request permission for the use. I have not had a client request payment for it. Professional courtesy usually prevailed.
My guess is you may get a cheerful email thanking you but not an offer for payment. At the most, maybe a discount or lab credit.
On another note, great shot!

You mean photo credit as in you trade off with the lab and not actual payment correct? If they want to make money off the image and give the photog nothing but a byline that's wrong and not professional courtesy in any sense of the phrase! Even with a trade off it better be a good amount, that's a lot of commercial usage and should be well worth it for the photog.

Agree, really nice shot.

Just my experience. It is a very common occurence. I have actually never heard of a prolab paying. Would be interested in hearing the outcome. Also would be interested in hearing anyone else who may have had a similar situation.

Give away a few shots with your watermark on it or atlease a photocredit. Sometimes to gain buisness you have to give... they will remember it in the future and hopefully use you again when they do have a budget... if not then dont

Yea, photo credit will not equal more business.

Some of you guys go too far. I wouldn't allow anybody to use my photo for free, but if they offer him a bit of print credit he should take it and be proud. If you guys skipped economics, goods and services are also acceptable trade items.

Anyways, NEWSFLASH, photography as a business isn't dying because lowly amateurs are giving away free photo right. That seems to be the common thought here on POTN. The old-timers behind that thinking need to instead learn to adapt and evolve as times change.