Author wanting free photos for book

So I got a flickrmail today asking if I'd give a picture away for free, just wondering what kind of response back I should give him? and no I'm not planning on contributing to what is already a massive amount of these type of books/magazines out there nowadays.

Here it is, with names(other than my own) and such removed to keep it somewhat anonymous:

Hi Mike,
My name is [Insert name+how he's some big shot author/comedian, he lists the books and name of publisher ect, and that he's got a book coming out] which will feature funny/cute pictures of puppies and dogs. Would you potentially be interested in having one of your photos in the book? Unfortunately, there is no pay. But you will receive photo credit, a free copy of the book, and a very fun book to share with your family and friends. If you'd like to see what the book will be similar to, visit Amazon and search [name of a previous book he wrote]
Of course, it's not guaranteed that a photo will be used, but i really liked your photos (especially like http://www.flickr.com …kehendrickson/4​361241852/ ) and think you'd probably get in.
If you're interested, please email me directly at [his email] I will also need to you to eventually send me an attached hi-res photo as well.
thanks,
[His name]

This is the first time someone has asked to use one of my photos. Kinda flattered considering that isn't what i'd consider one of my better dog photos.

So far my response is this, any edits/additions will be taken into consideration:

Dear [his name],
As much as I'd love to have a picture of my dog published in a book to show to my family and friends, I'll have to decline your offer. While I don't consider myself a "pro" currently, I don't give my photos away for free because not only does it lower the value of my work for future sales, it also takes work away from current professional pet photographers who would get paid for such images. I might wonder why there's a budget for writing, manufacturing, publishing, editing, ect., but not photography. Surely the photos are as important, or even more important, for a picture book about funny dog pictures right?

I'd be willing to sell usage rights to my photos, but sorry I'm not willing to give it away just so that it's published in your book.

I'm sure you'll have better luck with the next flickr hobbyist in line but if not, and your publisher really wants one of my photos feel free to contact me and we can talk price, then I'd send you the higher-res file along with an invoice.


Thanks,
-Mike Hendrickson
[my email]


Any suggestions? Trying to make it funnier/wittier lol.

I like your response.

Let the author do the comedy. You play straight man...

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11270076
Let the author do the comedy. You play straight man...

So you mean I'm good as is? Or I'm trying too hard? lol.

Tealtele wrote in post #11270083
So you mean I'm good as is? Or I'm trying too hard? lol.

IMO, You're trying too hard...

I think your reasons in the first paragraph are solid enough to stand on their own. One thing I would change is your reference to "...just some book." I'd flat out say "your book."

Good idea, edited it. I'll try to lessen the harshness. But I'm not afraid to just lay it on him either because well...I'm sure I'm just like the 100th flickr mail he sent that day anyway and really the chances of him actually being someone willing to turn around and pay instead...are slim.

Tealtele wrote in post #11270102
Good idea, edited it. I'll try to lessen the harshness. But I'm not afraid to just lay it on him either because well...I'm sure I'm just like the 100th flickr mail he sent that day anyway and really the chances of him actually being someone willing to turn around and pay instead...are slim.

Not quite as slim however as him getting a freebie out of you!

Good Job, says I...

Cute pic BTW

Yep no freebies from me, unless he wants a low res version with what seems to be from when I was going through an "obnoxious watermark" phase.

Other than being full of mud that wasn't exactly the best dog picture I've got in the best light, but apparently even what I considered a snapshot still has value, since someone wants it lol.

Oh and I edited it to take out some of the more hostile sounding parts that would end any sort of possible discussion simply by pissing him off. Still a bit of trying to make him feel guilty by relating it to the struggles of the writer, but I toned it down a bunch.

That's my final edit as I don't want to waste any more time on this guy.

So the book idea is funny pictures of dogs and he is trolling for free pictures?

What an awesome business venture!
What is his contribution? Funny captions?
Like your response. There are situations I would consider giving away an image but this is far from one of them.

Love the wording you used - I just did a similar message for some newspaper/article thing that wanted my pics for free (only if I replied within the hour! I didn't see it until the next day.) I just said sorry, and if they had future interest in my images, I'd be happy to discuss the type of publication, distribution, and budget for usage rights.

However, wouldn't you want to be paid before sending the hi-res image?? I think I would!

It's funny how they want to make money off your image but not pay you for your image.....freakin people!

Does he do comedy for free?
Can you use his jokes to get paid as long as you give him credit?

TGrundvig wrote in post #11271552
It's funny how they want to make money off your image but not pay you for your image.....freakin people!

Does he do comedy for free?
Can you use his jokes to get paid as long as you give him credit?

Oooo good point. I see a trade agreement. Reword the email to say you are writing a joke book.

poets give away poems to publications all the time.

Jimbers wrote in post #11271676
poets give away poems to publications all the time.

Who wants to buy poems? They have to give them away.