My heart is racing...What would you price this at?

11/17/2006 05:08:00 PM · #1

Someone is interested in buying my prized photo from Photographers Direct!!!!

They want to use it on a 90' x 25' BILBOARD for a foundation of some sort!!!!!

What do I do???? LOL I don't want to lose the sale, but this is also the photo people told me not to sell for $59 on Shutterpoint because it is worth something more.

Jenn

11/17/2006 05:09:56 PM · #2

Is it a non-profit, or commercial business ?

What's their budget ?

How little would you settle for ?

What do you think it's worth ?

Last image I sold for something around about that sort of usage, I asked for $1500 and they talked me down a bit. Be open to negotiating. Discuss with them what their budget is, bid high and be willing to work down.

My initial excitement made me want to sell it for about $50, just to make sure they used it. I calmed down. Find out more about their usage and make a realistic quote based on that.

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 17:11:07.

11/17/2006 05:16:30 PM · #3

Well, here is what the email said:

Originally posted by email:

We are interested on one of the subject
photograph in your gallery and we would like to ask
how much would it cost for a high resolution digital file
of the image entitled "Beautiful". We are planning to use this image in foundation billboard called Operation Compassion.

Also, is a 6MP file big enough for a billboard? (3072x2048)

As I mentioned, this is my prized photo. I think it is #1 of 25,000 clicks over the past 2.5yrs. This was even accepted into a gallery exhibition a couple years ago. I really don't know WHAT it is worth.

What should my reply to them say?

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 17:24:50.

11/17/2006 05:18:30 PM · #4

If anyone is in the Phillipines, can you PM me so I can ask you if you have heard of this company?

11/17/2006 05:19:16 PM · #5

billboards are printed at very low resolution 15dpi or so - you've got plenty of pixels there. The one I had printed was from a 4Mp point and shoot. They paid about twice the value of the camera for the one image.

I'd suggest asking what their budget is, while also asking more about the usage - is it just a one-off, do they want to use it for other parts of the promotion etc. Get a feel for the scope of how they are going to use it and insert the budget/ range question too. Don't ask 'how much they want to pay for it' but get the range.

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 17:21:08.

holdingtime

Canon EOS-5D

11/17/2006 05:19:29 PM · #6

Sounds like a great chance in getting published in a big way that is worth something.
So is money though.

Drummie

Nikon D40

11/17/2006 05:20:56 PM · #7

Is this the group that contacted you?
//www.operationcompassion.org/

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 17:21:45.

11/17/2006 05:22:05 PM · #8

Originally posted by Drummie:

Is this the group that contacted you?
//www.operationcompassion.org/

I think so......
You got one too???

11/17/2006 05:23:10 PM · #9

Originally posted by Gordon:

I'd suggest asking what their budget is, while also asking more about the usage - is it just a one-off, do they want to use it for other parts of the promotion etc. Get a feel for the scope of how they are going to use it and insert the budget/ range question too. Don't ask 'how much they want to pay for it' but get the range.

So do I just come right out and say, "May I ask what your budget is?"

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 17:23:52.

Drummie

Nikon D40

11/17/2006 05:24:35 PM · #10

No, I didn't get an email, I was just doing a search to try to help you find out about them :). If you have their email address, that might help to find out exactly what company/organization it is. If you want, email it to me & I'll search it for you.....

11/17/2006 05:26:33 PM · #11

Originally posted by Drummie:

Sent you a PM. Thank you!

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

11/17/2006 05:50:51 PM · #12

I am thinking maybe I should go at them with a number like $1950 or $2150.

What do you think?

justine

Canon EOS-50D

11/17/2006 05:56:22 PM · #13

Shoot big and then if you have to bargin, you can.
It's great news no matter what you end up with. A billboard. Way cool.

11/17/2006 05:58:52 PM · #14

Originally posted by justine:

Shoot big and then if you have to bargin, you can.
It's great news no matter what you end up with. A billboard. Way cool.

I just don't feel right asking them what their budget is. They could easily lie and say $500. LOL

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

11/17/2006 06:01:15 PM · #15

Originally posted by JRalston:

I am thinking maybe I should go at them with a number like $1950 or $2150.

What do you think?

I don't think you know enough from what little they've said to give them a reasonable quote. But that's just me. That's why I'd suggest sending them an email exploring the usage a bit further, as well as part of that, trying to ascertain the budget range they are in. Something like Fotoquote is well worth looking at, for advice on how to approach this sort of thing and also what the typical rates are.

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 18:01:50.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

11/17/2006 06:02:20 PM · #16

Great advice above.

One question - if they are going to use it for a commercial billboard it MAY (or may not) be necessary to provide a model release - it wouldn't be necessary if they were using the image editorially but for commercial use it might possibly be an issue. Do you have one? If not, probably worth checking out whether you need one...

11/17/2006 06:05:38 PM · #17

Thank you Gordon. I went ahead and sent them an email asking more about the usage. At least this should help open the dialogue a bit.

Kavey- I DO have a model release :) Yay for me. LOL

11/17/2006 06:17:32 PM · #18

Rough idea, for a US market (so this varies it too)

But typical rates depend on how long it'll be shown for and in how many locations. So 1 location for 3 months is quite different to say 10 billboards for a year.

Low end is something like

3 months, in 1 or two locations, $900-$1800

Double that for a year's usage

That kind of thing. But it is a negotiation. They have a budget, they want the image. You need to work out something between you that fits in to their and your expectations. Usually at photographer's direct, they quote the budget in the request for images, so you should get an idea from that too. Many places aren't willing to pay typical market rates.

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 18:19:54.

11/17/2006 06:23:16 PM · #19

Also useful is the 'Stock Photo Price Calculator' linked from Photographer's Direct.

Type of Use:: Advertising
Specific Use:: Billboard
Press Run:: Over 100
Size:: Full page or Major Illustratio
Low Price:: $2,100.00
Average Price:: $3,550.00
High Price:: $5,000.00
Survey = 123
One Year Use, Reduce prices for 6 month use.

These prices are presented as a guide for negotiation. All prices assume one time non exclusive reproduction rights. Copyright should NEVER be sold. There is NEVER a legitimate reason to transfer Copyright except to deny the creator of the image. All licensing is dependent upon payment of the licensing fee. Use is not licensed until payment is received. Higher or lower prices will apply depending on use, uniqueness of the image, suitability, prestige of the photographer, credit lines, and other factors that should be negotiated. Disclaimer: If this pricing program causes you distress, financial loss, or marital discord, we take no responsibility - If it increases your income, business success, or educational standing, you are not obligated to pay for its use. Errors and omissions: The program is new and may require some corrections. Please report any bugs to the webmaster. Direct your questions and comments to Photographers index webmaster. We would love to hear from you.

Type of Use:: Advertising
Specific Use:: Billboard
Press Run:: 11 to 100
Size:: Full page or Major Illustratio
Low Price:: $1,400.00
Average Price:: $2,100.00
High Price:: $2,800.00
Survey = 124
One Year Use, Reduce prices for 6 month use.

Type of Use:: Advertising
Specific Use:: Billboard
Press Run:: 10 or less
Size:: Full page or Major Illustratio
Low Price:: $1,100.00
Average Price:: $1,450.00
High Price:: $1,800.00
Survey = 125
One Year Use, Reduce prices for 6 month use.

Message edited by author 2006-11-17 18:24:04.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

11/17/2006 06:41:26 PM · #20

Thanks Gordon, I am curious what they will say their usage is. Then I can base the price off of that a little more.

trnqlty

Nikon D90

11/17/2006 06:47:16 PM · #21

It would also be very helpful to find out how much they are paying for the billboard space itself. If they are paying a ton of money, your image should be sold for more and this also would mean they have the money to spend.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

11/18/2006 04:16:25 AM · #22

Originally posted by trnqlty:

I'm thinking this would be very difficult to find out!

faidoi

Pentax K10D

11/18/2006 04:48:33 AM · #23

Viewed: 1000
Comments: 12
Favorites: 10 (view)

11/18/2006 05:03:18 AM · #24

Ok, just got an email back. They really seem pressed to have an answer. The billboard will be up for 1 month only!

What do I do!?!?!?!