April 23, 2008...10:03 pm
Graphic Rights
I’ve heard a lot of complaints from photographers and their customers lately over rights and pricing. Times change and there is a case to be made for both sides.
I recently had a client need to update their publicity shots. They were tired fo having to contact the photographer that originally took the headshots everytime they changed a book sleeve or updated or changed a brochure. Each time the photographer had to give permission and then would charge them some fee to be able to use the images again.
Recently I have also heard many photographers complaining that they cannot make any money any more. The photographers have put out thousands of dollars in equipment and then get a few bucks for a headshot or portrait. There also seems to be a lot of complaining that that anyone with a low end digital SLR now thinks they are a photographer and it’s driving down prices.
Now my 2 cents!
I offered my services to the customer that needed updated shots and didn’t want to contact the photographer for usage everytime they used the images. I gave the customer a CD with the promo shots and priced the images according to the fact that they have unlimited usage. I didn’t have to mess with prints, which is a plus, so I was simply charging for my time plus usage. So it took 1 hour of studio time and about 2 hours of editing and touchup. I charged $150 for the CD. Will the customer come back? People change and I suggested that they come back every year to update their headshots. The customer seemed happy and I think they’ll come back.
My belief is that markets change. I’m sure that video stores are complaining about Netflix. Same thing! Adjust your pricing to fit the current market climate. Put out a quality product at the proper price and you will have more business than you can handle.
Anther issue is that the images are to be used “as is” without any modifications or alterations. The contract states that anything that alters the image needs my approval. This is important because almost any High School student knows how to modify an image with some graphics program. I don’t want someone to alter my photo, have it look like crap and then the customer gets asked who took the picture and my name comes up. The issue then comes down to artistic rights and not usage rights.
But what about the guy with the low end digital camera he just got and is not a photographer? I’ve seen a lot of new photographers that have incredible work - hire them! I’ve also seen a lot of professional photographers with all the equipment, certifications, and a nice storefront that are very average - don’t hire them!
Looking for a photographer in Saginaw Michigan? Hire me! My mother thinks I’m good!
http://defoe-photography.com
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