? Animal Hospital wants to use one of my pics.

[hsmmq]

I was contacted by someone wanting to use one of my pictures that I posted on flicker for an ad for a veterinary hospital. I am very flattered since this picture was taken for a DP assignment and I am far from being a good photographer. I am not sure what to do to protect myself. I don't want to take advantage of a fairly new vet hospital nor do I want to be taken advantage of. What information should I be aware of if I let them use my picture and receiving credit compared to selling them the use of my picture.

Thanks,
Sylvia

[BCampbell]

In either case WRITE A CONTRACT.

My tactic here, considering it's one photo and it's a business that has a very small profit margin to begin with, would be to let them have this one on the house. Use it as a foot in the door, get to know the people there, and let them know you're looking to take other jobs. There are a lot of people coming and going in a place like that and maybe they want photos of their pets. Ask if you can leave a few of your cards there in return -- and if you can, get cards made up that state "pet photography". Make sure they link to your site (as part of the contract) and have a pet photography portfolio there.

It's a lot of work. For free. But what are you going to make, $45 off of one use of your photo? Better to earn some goodwill and let them do some word of mouth advertising for you.

[Swisstony10]

I agree with that suggestion - if you don't already have a flourishing photography business that provides all of our income, then it can't hurt to just get a free ad out of it. Make sure you have a contract that defines exactly what they can and can't do with the picture, and make sure you get a credit on any leaflets/posters/fliers etc that uses your picture.

Never underestimate the commercial value of goodwill.

Russ.

[TheEagleSpirit]

I have to agree with the rest. Good will use of the photo. I found that attending a birthday party for my neighbor's mother and requested to take pictures has given me word of mouth advertising and did 5th generation portraits for the same neighbor two days ago receiving an offer for me to do wedding photography for one of their relatives. Some of my work was added to a history album of a Crafts Club for their 75th aniversary as an organization of many branches.
Keep up the good work.