selling photos - The approach to take.

[Snappers]

Hi all, I have been thinking about this for some time and maybe some of you have done this or know how to go about it.

Say you take a photograph whilst you are out and about and you feel that the local paper or mag etc may be interested in using your picture in their publication, how would you go about appraoching the company etc.

Would you send them a copy of the photograph with copy wrote over it to see if they wish to use it and would you state what fee you wanted for the photo or would you leave it to thier discreation etc.

I just wondered as i was reading one of my magazines the other day and a person had wrote in saying he had sent a photo to his local newspaper and they used it and paid him editorial rate for his picture but it got me thinking as to how you would go about sending it in the first place etc.

Any views anyone?

[jerryph]

There is nothing wrong with networking and starting a conversation with the local papers to see if there are any needs that you could fill. One never knows, right?

The local thing here is that selling stock nowadays around here is challenging since every Tom, Dick and Harry has a $100 P&S and thinks they are Ansel Adams. This may not be the case in your area.

[Snappers]

Thanks Jerry, I was just wondering if people would write up a contract before dealing with the paper or is this something that people dont need to bother with.

[jerryph]

Thanks Jerry, I was just wondering if people would write up a contract before dealing with the paper or is this something that people dont need to bother with.

If you are going to be compensated for it, definately, a contract is in order.

I will not deal with any client without one... and friends are potentially the worst when it comes to that. I have many friends and do business with them, but we are all clear that friendship is one thing and business is another.

If the paper is going to hire you part time or full time, they will more than likely make you sign over all rights to your pictures to them in return for compensation. The biggest thing is to make sure that you are compensated fairly for your time/work/efforts.

[Snappers]

Thanks Jerry. I was not thinking full or even part time employment with the paper, just maybe a one off picture now and again.

[angierae]

I've always hesitated from using my pics in the paper or entering them in some sort of contest because lots of times they buy all rights to the photo from you. Call me sentimental but that doesn't appeal to me at all. I have talked with the local paper manager here about a contract of sorts where, if any of my photos were used, I would still own all rights to them. That's something you have to be make very obvious and clear I think.

[jerryph]

AngieRae, there are different kinds of people with different desires. I think that Andy was just looking to get his pictures out there a little, and generally, I feel there is nothing wrong with that, until they sell that picture and make money off of it and take all credit.

Andy, If you are going to be giving them away, you could make it part of the agreement that you retain ALL rights to the picture, want full credit, but are not interested in any financial compensation. That would possibly interest a lot of people!

I bet many places would be ready to accept those terms if they had a certain level of freedom to do with the pic what they wanted, for example resizing or cropping it and using it in a (for example), municipal newsletter.

I would make it clear, however, that they could not use the pictures for advertising purposes, could not sell them for profit, and that all you ask for the courtesy is your name given credit for it somewhere.

This is all very viable. :)

How I might start it is by findout out a few emails of local papers, the city hall and other local places that would be interested in something like this... and just send an email with 1-2 relatively small examples and just outline your desires, not in great detail, but JUST enough to get them interested... and leave a phone number or email where they could contact you. After they call you, they are likely quite interested and your chances are pretty good, especially for that price... lol Have a tiny portfolio readey (maybe a small slideshow in Flickr), and sell yourself the best you can.

Oh... and have fun!

[angierae]

I completely understand trying to get your photos out there. Was just stating my hesitation over it. I've proven kinda craven so I've resorted to finding other ways.

For instance local fairs are awesome, either as entries for contests or just setting up a little booth. You can even offer quickie candid photo types. I also have a date with the farmers market coming up. It's actually for the frames and other things I've made but that's a good lead in to photos. Just take a mini portfolio with you, maybe some ready made prints if you're wishing to sell, or the outline of you conditions like Jerry said. Just little things like that help to spread your name :)