Fair charge for using images?

nutmeg · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 06:09 PM

I've been approached by two different (overseas) publishers who wish to use a couple of images of mine in books. One of them interests me because it is for a children's book about ecology. It's a commercial publication and they have asked me what my fee is. I'm just an enthusiast photographer and have no idea about these things... I'm tempted to just ask for a copy of the book. Does that sound reasonable?

Meta menardi · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 06:29 PM

My Missus has just done a book, fair emphasis on illustrations. The charges she has paid have varied considerably. Museums and galleries have charged about £25 to £100 for each illustration, one private individ asked for £250 for something nobody else had, the cheapest deal was to get a commercial photographer to do a day of photoing material.

Quite a different situation to you, but it may help.

glsammy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 06:31 PM

As I've never sold an image or had a request to buy one, I'm not sure how much notice you should take of what I say!

However, I'm registered with a site that sends out photo requests and on these are the amounts people were prepared to pay for a one off right to use the image. The amounts vary but I'd say they average around $100.

It may give you some idea. However, a lot can depend on the expected use. If it's likely to be a top selling book and selling at a high price, then you should set your price much higher!

I hope others with more experience can give you a better idea.

Steve S · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 07:00 PM

Book publishing falls under editorial use; this is probably where most stock photographs are used and is also where fees are middle of the road. I’ve sold numerous photographs to be used in books and the price varies depending upon the use (inside or on the cover, or both), the size of the image, the number of books to be printed and how long the buyer wants to have the rights to use a particular photograph. Oh, I almost forgot, and how much the publisher actually wants a particular image. This may sound a bit of a nightmare and is why most photographers aiming for this market place their photographs with agencies.

They have asked you for a fee. That is a good sign – I’ve lost count of the number of approaches I’ve had via my website for picture use only to hear, “I didn’t think that you would want to charge”. At this point they usually lose interest.

US Dollars seem to be the negotiating currency on the open market. Expect anywhere between $20 and $400, subject to conditions in the first paragraph.

I’d suggest that you shouldn’t be too modest. Ask for a fee that you will be happy with and for a copy of the book. If you really haven’t a clue, pitch for $75 dollars for inside use and double that for a cover. The worst that can happen is that they say “no thanks”.

Don’t leave it too long before replying - no doubt the picture researchers are continuing their search - they may move on to a different photograph(er) if you do.

Steve.

pressld2 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 07:09 PM

Just to add to what Steve S has said, Photographers Direct provide a link to a calculator at Stock Photo Price Calculator.

If you click on editorial and then select the type of book, the size/usage of photo and the estimated print run it will tell you the high low and average price for such usage.

Good luck!

Dave P.

jennyb · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 07:10 PM

You may find this link useful Editorial search page.

Another way to get a ballpark figure is to go to Stock Photography, Royalty Free Images & Licenced Stock Photos | Alamy Images, select an image of a similar subject, then click on "Calculate price". This will give you an idea of what other people are charging.

Bear in mind that it depends on how unique the image is. If it is relatively unique, you can certainly charge more than an image they can pick up for a couple of dollars from a micro stock library.

Jenny