How Much Would You Charge? - DPChallenge Forums

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

04/12/2007 05:16:49 PM · #1

I have this panorama

that I took some time ago. I have an friend of a friend who wants to have a copy. At first he was asking for a single print, which I gave prices for. Now he is inquiring about a digital file so he can possibly make multiple prints. How much should I quote for something like that? How do I make sure the image copyright is still mine so he can't steal my work? What is the safest way to go about this, and also what would be the most ethical price? I assume I would be OK to put my logo on the lower corner. Do I need to register the photo somewhere as mine to protect copyright, and just make a copyright notice that says he is only allowed to reproduce the file for personal use, and not for financial gain? I'm completely lost.

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

04/12/2007 08:02:52 PM · #2

Originally posted by traquino98:

I have this panorama that I took some time ago. I have an friend of a friend who wants to have a copy. At first he was asking for a single print, which I gave prices for. Now he is inquiring about a digital file so he can possibly make multiple prints. How much should I quote for something like that?

If he wants a digital file then treat him like a client, ask about image usage, and price accordingly.

Originally posted by traquino98:

How do I make sure the image copyright is still mine so he can't steal my work? What is the safest way to go about this, and also what would be the most ethical price? I assume I would be OK to put my logo on the lower corner. Do I need to register the photo somewhere as mine to protect copyright, and just make a copyright notice that says he is only allowed to reproduce the file for personal use, and not for financial gain? I'm completely lost.

The copyright is yours the moment the image is created, and it will always be yours unless you sign away on it (or if it were created via a work for hire situation, which this doesn't sound like). Registration is necessary before you file an infringement suit in court, but whether or not you feel it's applicable, practical, and necessary for your work is up to you. If it's just for personal use, then he doesn't need to sign anything. Neither do you. And I think a logo would look cheesy.

If it were up to me, I'd keep it simple, say no to the digital file, and sell him a print.

Message edited by author 2007-04-12 20:03:15.

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

04/12/2007 08:12:33 PM · #3

Originally posted by virtuamike:

And I think a logo would look cheesy.

OK. Logos are cheesy. I guess what I meant was like to sign it digitally, for copyright/recognition purposes. Does that make more sense?

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

04/12/2007 08:35:44 PM · #4

Originally posted by traquino98:

Originally posted by virtuamike:
And I think a logo would look cheesy.

OK. Logos are cheesy. I guess what I meant was like to sign it digitally, for copyright/recognition purposes. Does that make more sense?

Ah, so like a digital watermark? I wouldn't do anything like that to a client.

drodrig

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/12/2007 08:54:06 PM · #5

Maybe you should try something like digital signatures (cryptographyc ones).

Here you can read about the subject.

//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_signature

or maybe steganography

//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steganography

I would love to write about the subject, but I'm short of time, if your still interested maybe i can clear you doubts tomorrow.

This kind of technology would help you in some situations, but it wont avoid your client for making lots of copy's. Its in court when this comes handy.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/12/2007 11:25:37 PM · #6

i would tell him that i was extremely flattered that he thought that much of my image, but that it's just not my policy to give or sell digital files, and that i would be more than happy to work out something for him to be able to get as many prints as he wants.

it is a lovely image, and might quite possibly have some commercial value (regardless of whether you ever get the bug to pursue making money). there is no reason for you to let your stud out of the barn for free, so to speak.

find out just what type of prints he's looking for, then see about making arrangements to accommodate him. maybe a simple $40 smugmug account is all you really need.

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/12/2007 11:51:08 PM · #7

If you really want to sell it, and most of us are into photography to sell. Stock companies sell the digital file so I see no problem. Go to www.Alamy.com and find another panarama similar and put the info in to come up with a price. Friends are fun but business is business. I give real friends paper prints, I sell digital prints to everyone including friends.

04/13/2007 01:31:58 AM · #8

Originally posted by Skip:

I really like that idea. Probably the best so far. I would love to make the money on it, but after looking at Alamy, a full-size image of that proportion would sell for about $350, and I would be willing to bet that is more than he wants to pay. I'll just go with the flattery and the policy not to sell. Thanks!