Posted by Derek Sedillo on March 26, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Hello,
I got an interesting request today from someone who wanted to use one of my photos for his website. He is opening an art gallery in Pacific Grove where I live and will use his website to promote his gallery. So far all he has offered in exchange for usage is to provide photographer's credit on the site. At first I thought 'no way!' But then I thought about it and realized this is free marketing for my photos via an art gallery website.
Since I am not a pro but rather an enthusiast I think it might be worthwhile. And it might lead to an opening in the gallery for some of my images. So what do you think?
Although not a pro it would be nice to market my work more in some way. I was thinking about stock agencies. But I have never really pursued it.
Derek, there is a fine line sometimes between promotion and lost opportunity. Although I'm guilty myself in the past on more then a few occassions with anticipated promotional expectations and with overall lack of return on the investment. I'm all for free usage as long as there is really a return. It's not always easy to gauge what that might be and how it can be tracked, but you might put serious thought to it before you follow through on the offer. Is this a gallery that is going to sell photographic art too, then by all means it might be a foot in the door. But, if it is paintings, sculptures, etc, the return may not really be there. As a minimum would the photo being used have a link back to your site for possible sales?
Here is a link to Fotoquote for your review in helping with your decision. Good luck. Fotoquote
Posted by Paul Dileanis on March 27, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Derek,
Would the gallery be willing to host a show or exhibit some of your work for sale? Then it truly would be a self promotion. Try to get more than a little exposure (ha, ha, old photo pun). There are many good artists/photographers out there dying of exposure because they can't pay the grocery bill. Be creative in what you ask for, but get something besides photo credit even if it is the prime location for selling notecards in the gallery.
Oh, and Derek, I haven't forgotten about the kayaking. I will be going to Yosemite April 7 and 8. I will be taking to the sea in the following weeks.
If he's trying to make money off of you, then you should be profiting as well, in a real and measurable way. Paul made some good points (haha, see, there's two of them, and they both made good points). I think you should make clear arrangements for a gallery showing of some sort or whatever you decide on before handing over any images (and note the conditions of the sales... ie. if he's getting use of your images, then he should get a lower percentage of any sales you may make). It's important for every photographer to insist on more than just 'photo credit', otherwise the entire photo business will disappear for the pros out there, which could one day include yourself.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on March 27, 2009 at 2:23 AM
Thanks guys for the timely advice. I contacted him we'll see if anything comes of it.
Derek
Posted by Richard Wong on March 28, 2009 at 2:21 AM
I would only agree to that if my work were going to be on display at the gallery otherwise you are getting the short end of the stick. I'd ask for a fee regardless. There is no shame in saying no.
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 30, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Derek,
Keep us posted on how this turns out. I find it interesting that someone would want images to promote an art gallery that weren't part of the gallery? In other words, wouldn't he use images of the artwork (you didn't say if it was paintings, sculptures, photography...) that's going to be on display in the gallery?
In any event, since assuming the gallery is a for-profit organization and the website is promoting that venture, then you should definitely be asking for compensation.
Discussion
6 repliesI got an interesting request today from someone who wanted to use one of my photos for his website. He is opening an art gallery in Pacific Grove where I live and will use his website to promote his gallery. So far all he has offered in exchange for usage is to provide photographer's credit on the site. At first I thought 'no way!' But then I thought about it and realized this is free marketing for my photos via an art gallery website.
Since I am not a pro but rather an enthusiast I think it might be worthwhile. And it might lead to an opening in the gallery for some of my images. So what do you think?
Although not a pro it would be nice to market my work more in some way. I was thinking about stock agencies. But I have never really pursued it.
Derek
Here is a link to Fotoquote for your review in helping with your decision. Good luck.
Fotoquote
Would the gallery be willing to host a show or exhibit some of your work for sale? Then it truly would be a self promotion. Try to get more than a little exposure (ha, ha, old photo pun). There are many good artists/photographers out there dying of exposure because they can't pay the grocery bill. Be creative in what you ask for, but get something besides photo credit even if it is the prime location for selling notecards in the gallery.
Oh, and Derek, I haven't forgotten about the kayaking. I will be going to Yosemite April 7 and 8. I will be taking to the sea in the following weeks.
Paul
Derek
Keep us posted on how this turns out. I find it interesting that someone would want images to promote an art gallery that weren't part of the gallery? In other words, wouldn't he use images of the artwork (you didn't say if it was paintings, sculptures, photography...) that's going to be on display in the gallery?
In any event, since assuming the gallery is a for-profit organization and the website is promoting that venture, then you should definitely be asking for compensation.
Lon