Taking A Stand

[ennuipoet]

So, I just recieved a very nice email from Toronto Life Magazine asking to use one of my photos for a feature they are running on the Slutwalk Movement. (The photo was of the Slutwalk here in NYC). It was clear from the tone of the email they really wanted me to say “OMG YOU REALLY LIKE ME PLEASE USE MY PHOTO FOR FREE!”

I did a little research, Toronto Life is a for profit publication, so I replied I would love them to use my shot but I would need compensation. I also told them because I felt strongly about the cause (the Slutwalks) that I would offer them a substantial discount. My research gave me a ball park $150 US for a slice of life shot without breaking news or celebrity content, I offered it to them print $50 and digital only $25, with the print rights including digital reproduction on the website. I doubt they will pay, but I felt I had to take a stand on this issue.

Over the years I have freely allowed non-profits to use my photos gratis, as a way to help the cause and because many of the times they provided the subject matter I shot. Had the Slutwalk organizers asked me to use the shot, I would have given it to them without charge. In this case, this is a major local media outlet and if the photo is good enough to run it is good enough to pay for. I suspect they will decline and find a sucker to give away their photography.

The reason I am telling all of you this is, well, first of all how cool is it to be asked? but mostly: One day someone will come to you and ask to use your hard work for the “exposure”. Before you give away your art ask yourself why give away the milk for free!

[orionid]

Good on you. My two tearsheets are one each of a non-profit that I gifted my shots to, and a for-profit that paid me. I probably asked a little too low for the paid one, but now that I’m more researched, my prices are going to be closer to fair market.

I’ve also got (the 2010 edition of) a book with lots of magazines, news papers, and websites that accept unsolicited submissions and what they’re rates are. I used that to figure my starting points. Major pubs will drop a cool grand for a cover shot, and 50-150 is common for a 4×6 or smaller. So yeah, if they won’t pay $50, they don’t deserve your work.

[ennuipoet]

In the end, I really expect them to say no, but I truly feel to many magazines and newspapers feel they shouldn’t have to pay for photography anymore. I don’t take shots expecting to be paid for them, I take them because I like them. If, however, even anyone over and above the Penny Saver wants a shot, then I needs to get paid. 😀

[chupathingie]

:thumbsup: Put me in the “you done the right thing” camp. $50 is far from unreasonable. Most publications will pay that (and be up front about it in their magazine) for reader submissions so if anything I would think asking for $100, or even 50 for you and 50 for some benign and useful charity, would be reasonable.

If it’s good enough for them to want to print, it should be good enough for reasonable compensation; and how much is $100 in 2012 really worth, anyway?

[chupathingie]

Ya know, you could always drop them your phone number and say “call me”. You get to ask questions, they get to realize you’re taking them seriously (even if they play the “OMGTHISISSOAWESOMEFORYOU!” card) and they won’t call unless they’re serious about wanting to print your stuff.

[fluffybunny]

If it’s good enough for them to want to print, it should be good enough for reasonable compensation; and how much is $100 in 2012 really worth, anyway?

Single ticket to the lower decks at a pro baseball game.
Single tank of gas in my truck.
Handful of meals.
50mm f1.8 lens.
A few days rent.
One night in a motel.

Or for some people:

The bottled water served at one game in their ballpark suite.
A week’s pay for their chauffeur.
The tip for a meal.
The fee their magazine pays losers for photographs.
A minute’s rent.
One sheet of toilet paper at the hotel.

/Awesome ennui, hope it flies

[kashari]

Good on you. My two tearsheets are one each of a non-profit that I gifted my shots to, and a for-profit that paid me. I probably asked a little too low for the paid one, but now that I’m more researched, my prices are going to be closer to fair market.

I’ve also got (the 2010 edition of) a book with lots of magazines, news papers, and websites that accept unsolicited submissions and what they’re rates are. I used that to figure my starting points. Major pubs will drop a cool grand for a cover shot, and 50-150 is common for a 4×6 or smaller. So yeah, if they won’t pay $50, they don’t deserve your work.

What’s the name of the book? That might be interesting to have.

[ennuipoet]

I heard back from Toronto Life today, they will be paying me $50 Canadian, which is like what, five hundred American? 😛

WOOT! I made my first print media sale!

[CauseISaidSo]

Congrats, ennui! Awesome!

[Choc-Ful-A]

Congrats, ennui! Awesome!

Seconded! That’s a very cool way to start the day… Now you can add at least one more ‘0’ to the asking price of your tricycle snapshot.

[Yugoboy]

I heard back from Toronto Life today, they will be paying me $50 Canadian, which is like what, five hundred American? 😛

WOOT! I made my first print media sale!

Congrats, but your decimal went the wrong way… it’s like $5 American
😈

(Not really, but the exchange rate is not in your favor for this one… just for that, you might ask them to send you a complimentary copy… if they won’t have Pope Larry II send you a copy. If it’s going to be on the shelves around Memorial Day, I can try to get you a copy, as we’re planning to head up there that weekend.)

[orionid]

Awezome!

[nobigdeal]

Nice, nothing like making a few bucks with your camera. Even if it’s Canuckian bucks!

[ravnostic]

Egg cell ant! Congrats!!!

[kashari]

Woohoo, Ennui, that’s awesome, congrats!

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