How much should I get paid? 10 points for best answer!?

Question

Someone used a bunch of my photographs to build their website...how much should I be compensated for the use of my photos. They used about 15 and the photos really sell the site and the product. Any professional photographers with advice is greatly appreciated. 10 points for best answer.

Answer 1

That's a tough one...

This really should have been negotiated before-hand.  Here's the problem: ask for too much & they may say forget it completely.  They may either not pay you -- in which case you'd have to go to small claims court -- or they may get new photos (in which case you loose the time & the tear sheet credits).

Your best bet is to plan ahead of time before presenting your case.  Things to consider is how large their business is (revenue wise), as well as how much your photographs add to the site.  For example, you say they use about 15 photos... if they are a retail company with a hundred products, then that's not too much.  If they are a service business with about 25 photographs, & they use 15 of your photographs, then you should ask for more.

I really can't give you a price guideline -- as you really must consider the size & scope of the business.  Another very important aspect to consider is repeatability.  That is, is there potential for future work from this company?  If so, then it might be smarter to negotiate lower with mention that you would like to be considered for future work.  However, if this is most likely a one-time deal... then you should push for a little more.  If you are starting out, another good thing to negotiate for is photo-credit on the website if they are not willing to pay the full amount of what you want.  

As a ballpark reference, you might want to consider the prices of what stock photos sell for.  Google "stock photography" & look for photos similar to what you provided them with.  If your photographs are pretty generic (similar to what they could have bought), make sure you price accordingly (or lower).  If your image is completely specialized & most likely not available through stock -- you should rightfully expect more than going rates.  

Finally, make sure you present your case in a calm & logical manner.  If you are afraid that that the business may have "shell shock," make sure that you have evidence -- like examples of similar photos & what they sell for in print &/or electronic format.

Best of luck & next time maybe consider either:

- negotiating before hand

- being hired by the day &/or hour (vs. by the photo)

Answer 2

how good are your photos? if they are really good then how bout $40 for 15 of them i think or higher but around that price

Answer 3

I agree that it would have been better to decide on a price/rate before hand - Are you just starting out in photography if so then maybe just getting photo credit and a link to your website or free advertising on their site might be better then cash for you?  

Answer 4

Hi Jamie,

Instead of asking $$$ per photo, you should decide how many photos were used and then ask one total amount.   This person can deduct the money he pays you as a company expense... so I would not feel like you needed to give him a break... he will get his money back.  So, if he has used 20 of your pics I would charge him $500.00.  If he has used 50, I would charge him $1000.00.  He should not complain if your photos are what is making him and will continue to make him money.

Hope that helps.