pigpen

My sister-in-law has sent me an e-mail about a local photo contest. It is a reputable company that deals in local advertisements for tourism. The grand prize is a decent amount of cash, but there is a stipulation that I've never heard of before. You still have the copyright to all of your images, but by entering the contest, you give them permission to use your images for their company. Tourism groups from around the world contact them for images that they can use in their brochures, website, etc..., when they are advertising a trip to our area. You do get photo credit for every image that might be used. Basically, the company is using your image as their personal "stock" image, and in return you get your name/website out to anybody that might see the image.

Is this a common thing? I've never heard of this before. Also, it gives no mention to any type of time frame that they might have the rights to the image. I'm thinking any free exposure is a good thing. I've done it with our local newspaper. It (most) doesn't pay for the photo(s), but it does give you the credit directly beneath. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with this type of arrangement? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Thank You.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Very common practice for photo 'contests' !!

One of the easiest ways for a magazine or company to get LOTS of "FREE" photos is to have a contest and 'bury' in the rules that they get publication and use rights, basically forever, with no further compensation other than the contest prizes.

Personally, that is why I never consider entering that type of contest.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

this is actually really common.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

And, I'll bet that every entry has that stipulation. Cheap and easy way to build a stock portfolio without paying like a stock photography site would.
That's why I read the fine print VERY carefully before I enter any contest.

pigpen

Thanks all for the feedback. Do any of you thinks it's a good way of getting your stuff out there, especially if you're just starting out?

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

That's what THEY would have you believe.
I seriously doubt that anyone's gotten ANY business from one of these rip-off's.

Michael Hartley Loc: Deer Capital of Georgia

I was just approached this morning about lettering a guy's racecar, for FREE. Yep, all the people at the racetrack will see my work, he would talk about how great my lettering is, I would have my info on the car going over a hundred miles an hour, for everyone to see. Sure!

He lost all interest when I told him to pay the five bills, like everyone else, and I'll take care of my own marketing.

In the case of the photo contest, if you don't mind giving your photos, and rights away, go for it. You may be that one in a million, that actually gets some business from it.

It's just a picture, how hard can it be?