Email request for use of photo - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

01/17/2006 01:05:02 PM · #1

Got this in my email today:
................................
Dear Linda -

I am working with a newly organized group - the Upper Peninsula Public Awareness Coalition (UPPAC) - that is involved with trying to protect Wisconsin Public Service owned reservoirs throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. WPS is in the process of selling of lands surrounding reservoirs to a land developer known for inappropriate large-scale development on forest lands, especially lakes. Fortunate for us WPS's ability to provide access to reservoirs waters through "backlot" development may be restricted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The development plans are being contested by State and Federal resource agencies and a growing number of local people.

We are in the early stages of putting together a website to encourage grassroots involvement. One idea I had for this website was a photo section of the reservoirs that provide people not familiar with these wild place the opportunity to see what may be lost if this development is not regulated. I found your photo of Prickett Dam on the dpchallenge website and it captures perfectly the beauty and emotion impact that these places provide (the comments are great!). I am contacting you to ask permission to use it in our efforts to protect Prickett Dam and to inquire if you may have other photographs from Prickett Dam (or the other reservoirs) that might help people connect with the area?

I have background information on this issue and would be happy to send it to you if you are interested. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Joe Kaplan
Hancock, MI

...............................

Sounds pretty legit. Other than preparing a copy of the image with a copyright added to it, is there anything else I should be doing? It is one of my favorite shots from 2005 - was a close consideration for Best of 2005 - so I don't want it being exploited. The cause for use here would not bother me at all. Neat that they found it here. This is the image they are referring to:

livitup

Nikon D70

01/17/2006 01:16:30 PM · #2

Add a digital watermark as well. Doesn't do much to prevent people ripping it off, but invaluable to prove ownership if you ever need to take someone to court.

PhotoshopCS has a great interface for doing this (under filters).

Congrats! Great shot. I assume they'll give you photo credit as well?

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

01/17/2006 01:17:51 PM · #3

Depends on you - Would you mind if they used it on something besides the web-site (flyers, posters, whatever)? Do you intend them to own the image? If not, do they want exclusive rights so you canot use it for something else? Will they let you add a website caption to the bottom?

I would layout what uses you want them to have and whether you continue to hold the copyright (i.e. you are not giving them the image just the use of it) e.t.c. Sounds like it should be no problem but I would like to have that spelt out so both parties understand what can be done with the image.

01/17/2006 01:30:45 PM · #4

the version they wouold be getting has my copyright right on it. It will have a watermark embedded also. What strength do you usually make it? I'm never real sure about that.

I would definitely spell out that the use was only for the web site and nothing else without first getting my permission.

As for a web site caption - really I had not thought about that.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

01/17/2006 07:52:35 PM · #5

I got an email back from the guy who asked to use my photo of Prickett Dam - he's fine with all my terms and even asked me if I could shoot a few other locations for them.
I'm getting both my new tripod and the 20D deliverd on Thursday - so I'll be off to shoot some new locations that afternoon and Friday. This should be fun. I'm hoping my rear-wheel drive pick up can get back into these areas with the winter snow and all.

pidge

Canon EOS-7D Mark II

01/17/2006 07:56:35 PM · #6

Originally posted by ShutterPug:

Don't forget snowshoes and extra clothes!!

This sounds awesome, congratulations!

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/17/2006 08:00:00 PM · #7

Originally posted by pidge:

Originally posted by ShutterPug:
I got an email back from the guy who asked to use my photo of Prickett Dam - he's fine with all my terms and even asked me if I could shoot a few other locations for them.
I'm getting both my new tripod and the 20D deliverd on Thursday - so I'll be off to shoot some new locations that afternoon and Friday. This should be fun. I'm hoping my rear-wheel drive pick up can get back into these areas with the winter snow and all.

Don't forget snowshoes and extra clothes!!

This sounds awesome, congratulations!

And some concrete blocks in the back of the bed for traction.

R.

jsas

Sony Mavica CD250

01/17/2006 08:04:19 PM · #8

and a life jacket :)

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

01/17/2006 08:05:45 PM · #9

the snow shoes are always in my truck. Since falling through the ice last week - so is an extra set of clothes when I go out shooting.

no bricks Bear - but I do have 2 - 1oo pound bags of corn for the deer back there. The deer get it after the end of snow season, when my axle no longer needs it. :-)

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/17/2006 09:27:11 PM · #10

Unless you are really in line with their organization, you may want to charge at least a small amount for the use of the photo. That way you have a business agreement supported by a purchase and use agreement. If they violate any of the agreement you would have grounds to ask for additional funds. If nothing else ask for $20, your name credit on the photo, and in consideration of this credit and one time use, the amount of $400 is waved. With this, if they "screw" you over and use it against your directions you may be able to ask for $400 per illegal use. A good deal for you and a great deal for them.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/17/2006 09:29:32 PM · #11

Linda! Congrats and well deserved. This is a nice opportunity to get your work seen and make a few bucks. I would definitely charge them something for the use, if nothing else to make you feel good about the transaction. If they are that interested, and it sounds like they are, they will pay gladly.