Business Question; Photo shoot at a Show/Festival

[timparker_NikonD60]

I have been lurking around here for a couple months since I bought my Nikon D60, sucking up as much info and concepts as possible. I am hoping you all can give me some feedback on a topic that has recently come up for me.

I was recently asked about taking random photos to document a local Antique Tractor clubs show at a local Park. It is a very informal verbal agreement for this.

I was asked by the person that contacted me this afternoon before leaving, what something like this would have cost. I am doing this as a volunteer (long story).

But what was asked was to randomly go around and take pictures of the demos, tractors, etc. They would then have the ability to put the pictures on their web site to document the weekend. I would also retain the ability to use any generic pictures that I want.

Would this normally be a per/hour type job? Package type thing? (so many hours up to so many pictures) I know I can naturally do whatever I would like in the future, just looking for other experienced business owners for some advice.

Thanks in Advance.

Now to sort through the shots from today!

[Snowgirl]

I've done events two ways:

One as a package: $x and I given them a specified # of photos to use on their website and/or for promotional purposes; I can sell whatever prints I want to anyone who wants to buy them.

The other is ad hoc: the event can buy whatever they want, one at a time.

My preference is the package. At least you're guaranteed SOME money for your time and effort.

[timparker_NikonD60]

Thanks for the feedback. Do you specify a set number of hours or pictures? Or is that a case by case basis? For this one, I am giving them the photos for their use and I also am keeping the rights to use what I can to sell or whatever.

I spent about 6 hours or so yesterday just roaming around and snapping whatever looked good. Had a decent number of what I think are usable shots. Only a few got away from me where I wasn't paying attention quick enough and the shots are out of focus

Thanks again. Guess it might be time to start thinking more about these types of things if the "jobs" start coming in.

I've done events two ways:

One as a package: $x and I given them a specified # of photos to use on their website and/or for promotional purposes; I can sell whatever prints I want to anyone who wants to buy them.

The other is ad hoc: the event can buy whatever they want, one at a time.

My preference is the package. At least you're guaranteed SOME money for your time and effort.

[bendruckerphoto]

I would also retain the ability to use any generic pictures that I want.


What do you mean by this?

[timparker_NikonD60]

If I decide to use a picture of one of the tractors or machines, he gave me "permission" to sell the print(s) if I like.

What do you mean by this?

[Blaker]

If I decide to use a picture of one of the tractors or machines, he gave me "permission" to sell the print(s) if I like.

So, you are working all day for free, giving him all the photos, and HE is giving YOU permission to use YOUR OWN photos?

Haven't you got that a bit backwards?

They are your photos, you did the work ( for free, no less!!) you own the copyright, YOU should be giving HIM permission to use YOUR photos!!!

[bendruckerphoto]

So, you are working all day for free, giving him all the photos, and HE is giving YOU permission to use YOUR OWN photos?

Exactly why I asked. You do not need permission to photograph any object so long as you have permission to be on the private property. The only exception being a trademarked object, such as Shamu the whale or a corporate logo. Even then, your only restriction is on commercial use of the images. You can freely display them on your own.

Sounds like you're getting stiffed. No money, and the guy is demanding full ownership of all your images? You need to stop selling yourself so far short if you want to be taken seriously. If you let someone step on you even once, you'll end up getting trampled later.

[timparker_NikonD60]

Guess I had my wording a bit backwards. Yes, you are all correct. Plus I am new to all of this, before it was just fun and games, now it might be turning into fun and games with a small payday at the end.

Actually, no, he is not demanding anything, actually, they were very appreciative (naturally) that I volunteered to do this for them. Their last photographer was a member of the club and he passed away last year suddenly. So they had no one for this year.

Sorry, my first post, apparently wasn't worded properly and I have some more learning to do in regards to this "business" stuff. Thank you all for the comments. I will continue to read along and learn.


Sounds like you're getting stiffed. No money, and the guy is demanding full ownership of all your images? You need to stop selling yourself so far short if you want to be taken seriously. If you let someone step on you even once, you'll end up getting trampled later.