robsphotography Loc: New Zealand

I own a small hobby photographic site and I have recently received two requests from book publishers asking me to sell two original high resolution files of images that are on my website.

For example, one of the images requested was this one of a Muscovy Duck:

http://www.robsphotography.co.nz/Muscovy-Duck.html

I am interested to hear your views about whether or not you are prepared to sell any of your full resolution digital images. What do you think are the disadvantages of doing this?

If a highly respected book publisher wanted to publish a half-page image of the Muscovy duck referred to above, what amount (in say US dollars) would you expect to receive?

If you were offered, say $US150 for this image, would you accept it or ask for more? You can assume that the publisher is expecting to publish more than 50,000 copies of the book.

One other question, what terms would you want to be included in any agreement to sell one of your original high resolution digital images?

Thanks very much for your help.

Regards
Rob

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

This might give you some ideas:
Stock Photo Price Calculator - http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

This is calc for a 1/2 page - book http://photographersindex.com/price-ed-calc.dbm

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

For $150 I personally would not sell the original rights, I may sell the usage rights allowing such publisher to use the image in the book. With rules on how it can be used only in advertising of said book.

Dr.db Loc: Central Point, OR

Have you checked out the pricing on sites like Imagebrief for subjects-to-order photography? Almost all of their royalty-free deals are $250-per-image and up (sometimes WAY up), and some publishers offer royalty and exclusivity options.
I would expect a request on Imagebrief for a Muscovy Duck image like yours, for mass publication, to be priced upwards of $500 or so. But you know, prices are all over the place, and there is absolutely NO "standard pricing" anywhere I've found - take what the market will bear...

Kuzano

I pondered selling at one time. I researched it a bit.

I recall that you sell usage rights and they vary. You are looking for and need to consider whether you want to sell the original AND the original file. At one time in film that would have been full rights including the original negative. In other words you give up any rights you have.

I don't know if that is done in digital, but I can imagine somebody wanting to buy the digital file and you not keep a copy. Maybe thats not done any more.

Then, I've heard one time usage rights, such as the muscovy duck in the original run of books, or original run and reprints of the book.

Essentially there are various rights sold.

Do You Have A Signed Model Release from the Muscovy Duck??? Ridiculous right? But what about the owner of the Muscovy Duck?

In any event, trying to be helpful here, there is a book published annually for various markets. Poets, Writers, Artists, Photographers, and more.

What you may want to do is get your hands on the most recent edition of The 2015 Photographers Market, or your library may have it, including past editions. Amazon has it for sure.

It outlines EVERYTHING MARKETING, or otherwise for Photographers, including submissions to various publishers, trends, and stock photo companies. If you plan to sell, this book is a must in your library of publications.

Good luck. Also remember pricing can vary a LOT geographically. Seem to be no standards for across the nation.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

The 1/2 page link I posted is not referencing the correct page - here is the info...

Type of Use:: Editorial
Specific Use:: Books - Consumer / Trade
Press Run:: 10,000 to 50,000
Size:: 1/2 Page
Low Price:: $250.00
Average Price:: $350.00
High Price:: $450.00
Survey ::787
These prices are presented as a guide for negotiation. All prices assume one time non exclusive reproduction rights. Copyright should NEVER be sold. There is NEVER a legitimate reason to transfer Copyright except to deny the creator of the image. All licensing is dependent upon payment of the licensing fee. Use is not licensed until payment is received. Higher or lower prices will apply depending on use, uniqueness of the image, suitability, prestige of the photographer, credit lines, and other factors that should be negotiated. Disclaimer: If this pricing program causes you distress, financial loss, or marital discord, we take no responsibility - If it increases your income, business success, or educational standing, you are not obligated to pay for its use. Errors and omissions: The program is new and may require some corrections.

robsphotography Loc: New Zealand

Thanks very much for your informative replies to date. After visiting the Imagebrief site and the stock photo site, I can see that $US150 for a good original digital image file is at the very low end of the scale.

It's interesting that you should ask whether I have a signed model release from the duck! This is because the other image that was requested involved a picture on public display of a huge piece of "art work", so I guess this might require the permission of the creator before I could release the image?

Incidentally, the Muscovy duck was just wandering around free near a public park, so it probably doesn't have an owner, but if it does, I think they might be on thin ice asking for a "model release"!

My main concern is that, even if there is an agreement that the buyer won't use the image except for its original stated purpose, this could be hard to police and probably not worth taking legal action if this condition was infringed, do you agree?

Regards
Rob

Kuzano

True... and a good reason not to get low-balled on the price. The taste is far more bitter if you have a future problem... AND... you sold low. Good Luck and under the conditions you describe, I would classify the Muscovy Duck as a "free agent representing himself". You do know how to contact him??? :thumbup:

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I published books for over 40 years. You can take what I offer or not because there are so many stock photos out there that I will use one of those and quickly forget yours. I am in business to make money not to make you money!

The prices you see listed are for professional photogs who have a name.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I would negotiate a higher price, just out of principle, and then sell it. But that's just me. It's not like that's the last of the Muscovy ducks. They might buy more of your work in the future.

Waltm Loc: Fredericksburg, VA

Please tell me the name of your publishing company so that I can be sure not to ever buy any of your products.

from another "ole sarge")

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree with this conceptually.

Itpurs Loc: Carson City, NV

This sounds phoney to me. Just saying. I looked at the photos, and while they are good, they are not " great". These so called publishers could go to any stock company and get an image of a duck for much less than $150.00
I know, I may sound synical. 😳

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

Why? Because he is in business to make a profit? This is a capitalist country. Profit is not a dirty word.

ronz Loc: Florida

I have had many photos published nationally in magazines for the past 15 years. The range has been from $100 to over $ 15,000 for a full cover shot. They always require high Rez & rarely ask for exclusivity for more than 6 months. They always send a contract declaring the agreement you make & then send a check. I only send to reputable publications I know. Imagebrief is fairly new but hearing good things about them. They usually start at $250 up and sell all over the world which could mean lack of control for you. Every mag I shoot for, sends me the magazine when it is published. Personally, for your shot I would take the money unless it has some special meaning to you. Good luck