Question about photo usage

I was gonna post this in marketing forum but it looks like low traffic there, figured id get a faster response here

I emailed some small jpegs to a small town Chamber of Commerce (pop 8,000) of their local parks (basically just to share some of my shots, not to solicit business!), and they emailed me back asking if it would be ok if they used some of the shots in their 'community directory', possibly on the cover, which i havent seen but i assume its a brochure. I would be credited for the photos. I dont think its a big revenue-generating thing, and i suspect if i insisted on payment theyd say "oh well". Franky, i think it would be nice and something i could use in a portfolio and on my photo 'resume', so im inclined to say "go ahead". But i know free usage sometimes ruffles pro photogs' feathers, so i thought id solicit some advice from you guys--should i consent?

As a non-pro, I think I might at least ask about getting a few bucks for your efforts. If they say no, you can still offer them up for no charge. Either way this seems like small change in the big scheme of things. For what my humble opinion is worth.

Even if you don't ask for or accept payment you probably want to draw up some sort of release that details the town's rights for usage. That protects both you and them. The usage should probably be limited to a one time use for a particular publication or something along those lines - whatever you want it to be. But if you don't write it down and get signatures on both sides, you might open yourself up to those images being used for many other things, whenever they want.

Two books that I have (that I haven't read in detail yet) are "Business and Legal Forms for Photographers" by Crawford and "ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography" by American Society of Media Photographers. You might check out these or similar references.

IMO, getting the exposure and bragging rights would be cool. Some of the true pros might have different advise. After all, it's hard to make a living off bragging rights.

Good luck!

Very true. Thanks, Roger and Kalin. Kalin, i hadnt even considered that (release) but it sounds like a wise move.

I would say go for it, but get more details on what they want to do with them, at least get a general understanding. I have donated photos to the BLM and had them used and they aren't allowed to pay for photographs. You could consider it a "community service." Plus, as said before, you get bragging rights...and also you might be doing them an artistic favor, considering what snapshot photos they might use if they don't use yours. Your never know what comes out of having the exposure...I sold a photo once only because someone saw my copyright on it and called the publisher to contact me. Unless, you have other plans for the photos...you took them, you might as well let them be used...maybe if you say yes, they'll offer to pay, or at least it opens the door to ask what terms they would consider.

Good point, thanks Cynthia, thats kinda the way i see it too. I once donated a shot to a city hall, (just because i though it would look cool hanging in City Hall) and they were so happy with my donation that they bought a bunch more prints, so i made out on the deal.

Definitely get the usage terms outlined in an agreement (so they don't treat the images like royalty free), but there's nothing wrong with donating images to smaller projects to get your name out there. Many pros donate images regularly, especially for non-profits, etc. I've done this many times, and still do from time to time - especially for online usage where the photo credit links directly to my website. Make them list your website address in your photo credits.

I recently found myself in a similar situation when a local attorney asked to use one of my photographs for the cover of the Wyoming state bar directory. They did not offer payment but did volunteer to give me a full-page ad in the directory, which I was quite happy to accept. I have no idea what a "community directory" looks like, but you might consider asking for a similar arrangement. Could be a nice marketing opportunity.

I don't think offering them for free is a problem. However, I have found that a Chamber of Commerce is often willing to spend money on photos, seeing as it's not their money they're spending. So if you ask for some compensation they may well be willing to pay a little.

Is it -your- local chamber? If so, get them to trade for a 1-year membership. Might pan out in the long run. Otherwise, I'd suggest charging some nominal fee/image, just to help train them in not always assuming all photographs are "free". As far as rights, we'll be covering all the possible rights in the Business of Photography seminar later in March. Just recognize that you always want to maintain the copyright and that when you "sell" a picture, you're actually conveying certain usage rights (based on type of publication, size of image(s), circulation, length of usage, distributed regionally, nationwide, or worldwide, etc.). Each of these rights increases the price.

Regards, Ken

Thanks for all the excellent advice, ill definitely be using it!