Free comps, no way Jose!

[Jim Bryant]

Here's an email I received late last week and my response.



Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner about the Clint Cannon images.

I visited your site and for the past few days have been thinking about a proper reply for your request for comp images.

Clint was the 09 World Champion Bronco rider and has done well enough to this year to make it to the NFR in Vegas. He’s been earning top dollar from sponsorships, and endorsements as well.

As professionals in this field, me as a professional photographer and you, who owns a management, sponsorship and sports marketing consulting firm, I find it flattering that you requested the use of free images for such an important client. Unfortunately free images do not pay my bills or put food on the table for my family. As a business owner as well, I know you are not working for free. However, if you let me know what and how and how many images will be used and for how long, I’d love to sell you limited rights.

Regards,
Jim Bryant


Jim Bryant Photography

Dear Jim, has sent you an inquiry. Message:
Jim, You have some great photos of Clint Cannon, bareback rodeo cowboy. I'm working with Clint, to secure him sponsorship for his 2010 journey back to the NFR in Vegas, and hoped that you have a few of your favorite shots that you'd be willing to comp me or allow me limited rights to use in a sales / bio presentation on Clint's behalf.

Please contact me by phone at or at [].

Kind regards,

[nickbedford]

I have no experience in this myself but you handled it well, if a tad too personal, maybe.

It will be interesting to see his reply.

Thinking of how I would do it, I might have replied with something like:

"Thank you for your interest in my work and congratulations on Clint's success etc etc..

If you wish to purchase various photos for use, please send me a list of the photos and I can provide you with a quote."

Again, this is just how I *may* have approached it. Some people are sneaky aren't they!

[Jim Bryant]

I thought about being really tacky, but didn't want to shut the door by turning him off, but the my original initial thought did cross my mind.

[mad editor]

Great reply.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

I thought about being really tacky, but didn't want to shut the door by turning him off, but the my original initial thought did cross my mind.

Yeah there's many ways to go about it. I wonder, if he figured he'd just ask for some free shots and not even offer to pay, would you expect him to want to pay now that you've asked? Only time will tell

[oldwolf]

I thought it was a very tactful and educational response. I probably wouldn't have been as tactful hehe.

[gturner]

The request - "we want to use your pics to ensure my client earns huge endorsements. You would be considered lucky to be asked. by such greatness."

The response was perfect. This is clearly someone who does not respect your profession even though he needs you to conduct his business effectively.

[BigFuzzy]

My response would likely have included the line "so, I'm assuming you'll be using vaseline?" somewhere in it.

Nice reply.

[LaBellaVida]

Originally Posted by nickbedford

I have no experience in this myself but you handled it well, if a tad too personal, maybe.

It will be interesting to see his reply.

Thinking of how I would do it, I might have replied with something like:



Again, this is just how I *may* have approached it. Some people are sneaky aren't they!

I agree. If I was the recipient, I would probably not message back and take you as a cocky person in general.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by LaBellaVida

I agree. If I was the recipient, I would probably not message back and take you as a cocky person in general.

I am cocky!