Rights to picture for company use

[srbloom]

I was recently asked by a company to use one of my photos for a billboard. I have never been asked such a thing, so I am wondering how to go about this. What would you charge for rights to one picture to use for something like this. Or, do I charge nothing and put my watermark on the bottom for advertising??? No idea what to do. I am also nervous that my picture will not blow up billboard size without distortion. It was an outdoor photograph and I had to bump up my ISO so it has a grainy look to it. Any advice is greatly apprectiated

[kuvahmagh]

Scrap the watermark and charge for use, they aren't giving away what ever they are advertising on the billboard. Also billboards aren't like an 8x10 that are viewed at a foot or two, they are meant to viewed from much greater distances so resolution isn't as bog a deal.

[srbloom]

So what do you think would be a fair price to charge. This is so far out of my scope I am at a loss!!

[kuvahmagh]

I couldn't tell you, I have no experience in that but I'm sure it will vary on where it is, how long they want it for, if they want any other rights like an exclusive deal along with it etc, if it is just the billboard or if they want it online or in print as well.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by srbloom

I had to bump up my ISO so it has a grainy look to it.

Was it at night? In daylight you shouldn't need a high ISO, is all.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by srbloom

I was recently asked by a company to use one of my photos for a billboard. I have never been asked such a thing, so I am wondering how to go about this. What would you charge for rights to one picture to use for something like this. Or, do I charge nothing and put my watermark on the bottom for advertising??? No idea what to do. I am also nervous that my picture will not blow up billboard size without distortion. It was an outdoor photograph and I had to bump up my ISO so it has a grainy look to it. Any advice is greatly apprectiated

Charge "something"! Getting your "name out there" means almost NOTHING....Having a PAID PORTFOLIO means a lot. WHat's the image worth? I can't say..how unique is it? How good is it? Are they just being cheap and looking for "low cost"?

How close have you ever gotten to a bilboard? I guarantee the grain will not be an issue..besides they asked for the image; they know what they are getting.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by srbloom

I was recently asked by a company to use one of my photos for a billboard. I have never been asked such a thing, so I am wondering how to go about this. What would you charge for rights to one picture to use for something like this. Or, do I charge nothing and put my watermark on the bottom for advertising??? No idea what to do. I am also nervous that my picture will not blow up billboard size without distortion. It was an outdoor photograph and I had to bump up my ISO so it has a grainy look to it. Any advice is greatly apprectiated

If it is a single billboard then around between 800 -1000 would be a fair price for that usage.
If it is going to be used nationally then start negotiations at about 7k and be prepared to take around 4-5k


A credit on a billboard means absolutely nothing really as no-one will ever read it.


You might get a better idea from here http://www.photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

[Jim Bryant]

And it all depends on how long the photo will be used on the billboard and if they want publications rights, such as in their brochures, web and print? If so, that's more money in your pocket. Make sure you as those questions. Don't accept any promises of give it to us for free and will promise future work.