| Author | Thread |
|
|
09/12/2005 10:43:01 AM · #1 |
I was recently contacted by someone publishing a new magazine, one that hasn't even had it's first issue yet. They want to use some of my photos and possibly build a working relationship. Here's the catch though, apparently they can't afford to pay me yet. What I'm being offered is: I retain ownership of all photos, they have a one time use kinda deal. I'll be given credit with a plug to my webstie for any pictures I take. For upcoming events there's a chance I can get a press pass to shoot. Not much admittedly but for someone who's not known at all there's potential. I've got some questions out as to more info about the mag, but wanted to get some more knowledgable persons opinions.
|
|
|
|
09/12/2005 10:47:36 AM · #2 |
Wow, sounds like an excellent opportunity for someone to break into, but I do not know your skillset or work you may have already done and have zero experience myself so it would be hard for me to give advice.
But if it was presented to me, I'd take it. :o |
|
|
|
09/12/2005 11:06:42 AM · #3 |
I'd see if I could wangle some sort of agreement about payment IF the magazine is sucessful. After all, money talks!
Sounds like a good opportunity though and you could get your foot in the door of the "next big thing" so to speak! |
|
|
|
09/12/2005 11:12:55 AM · #4 |
I was similarly approached about a year ago by a local magazine who wanted to use one of my photos for free. I was hesitant, but I agreed. As a result, they published an article about me and gave me regular paid work, much of which involved press passes for useful events and has really helped my portfolio.
I still do free work for magazines, but they're bigger publications with higher circulations... I make it clear that I will only do this for a short while to increase my exposure, by then I've proved my worth to the publication.
Ethically, you're on dangerous ground here as you're setting a precedent for exploitation of other photographers, but it's really competitive out there for photographers right now and I honestly believe this is what I have to do in order to get the career I want. I also believe that if I refused, it wouldn't make any difference to the situation for other photographers... they'd just get worse pictures because they weren't using me! However, it is a two way deal... I get experience and the magazine gets good photos. Go for it. |
|
|
|
09/12/2005 12:13:42 PM · #5 |
One time for free in exchange for exposure might be OK -- rather like an internship.
Possibly, you have them make a nominal payment (e.g. $1.00) to establish the contractual relationship more clearly.
I'd invoice it as $100 (or whatever the "real price" should be) with a "First-Time Customer Discount" of $99 -- then you establish a positive precendent while giving them a break in startup mode.
Message edited by author 2005-09-12 12:14:12. |
|
|
|
09/12/2005 10:14:57 PM · #6 |
Wow, thanks everyone for the tips and info, it was really helpful. I also contacted a few people I know in the industry (skiing for the curious) and they all agreed that the magazine has potental. I've decided to go through with the offer. Thanks again for the insights.
|
|
|
|
09/12/2005 11:38:34 PM · #7 |
I was curious, what induced them to contact you to do the work in the first place?
I hope that doesn't sound offensive or insulting, I have no idea about your background in your area or in photography, so I was wondering if you are known as a photographer, are known to someone starting the magazine, did they happen upon some prints of yours online? How did they come to decide, he's someone we're interested enough in to make the offer?
I don't anticipate being skilled enough to have magazines asking me to do work for them anytime in the near future, but it might be helpful to know how your situation came about, in case there's something I can do to market myself once I've obtained the skillset I need.
This question can actually go to anyone who has been approached to do work, rather than having to do the query yourself.
|
|
|
|
09/13/2005 12:00:38 AM · #8 |
If you feel the mag is legit, go for it. They're young, you're young, perhaps you can both benefit each other and grow together.
Imagine getting in on the ground floor of the first publication of Rolling Stone.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/25/2025 07:44:20 PM EDT.
