Getty Images contacted me... thru Flickr

[CharlieJ]

I received an invitation to join Getty Images (thru Flickr) after someone requested to license one of my photos. I signed up and made sure the photo was the right size, etc. All is well.

But, I have a question... or two. What should I expect to be offered for the image? IMO, it's nothing special - a lightbox shot of a 1960s handmade Christmas ornament. It's not even one of the best of that group of photos. Yet, someone or a company contacted Getty for licensing the image.

Question two (to those who have licensed photos thru Getty): What will they tell me about the person or company wanting to use the image?

I have read most of the threads regarding quantities and use that help a photographer determine value. But, as I understand it, Getty offers a standard rate for an image. That is really why I am asking... I'd like to know ahead of time what to expect next.

THANKS!

[Jim Bryant]

Prices vary on how they are used, the placement, for what media, how long and what size.
Google and go to the Getty website @ Getty Images - Unsupported browser detected and see what the rates are various usages. If it's one of a kind photo that can't be reproduced by anyone else, you might get a few hundred bucks. Historically, Getty doesn't pay much for stock anymore. Sometimes you might get $20.00 - $50.00.

[danbaileyphoto]

I wouldn't expect too much for the image. These days, stock sales through Getty's third party channels are often quite low. That's not to say that there isn't potential to earn decent money. And it doesn't tell you alot about the company except that they are looking for images in all places instead of going directly to professional photographers. Take this in whatever way you want.

There are actually some very high profile companies who have acquired photos through Flickr, which is one reason that Getty teamed up with them. There is money to be made. The question is, how much of this will go to photographers.

Here's a post I wrote about the Getty Flickr marriage on The Photoletariat.

What Does the Flickr/Getty Marriage Mean For You? - The Photoletariat

[CharlieJ]

THANKS guys, but I have no idea (as yet) who requested to license the image or what purpose they have for using it. That's why I was asking if Getty will tell me who requested the license. I'm not greedy, but I'd like to have some idea of what is next.

As for the image being unique, I guess it is arguably unique in that the ornament was handmade by my wife's grandmother (and her mother) and there probably aren't any others exactly like it. And since my family owns it, no one else would be able to reproduce the photo. From the aspect of the photo itself, it's not unique at all. Anyone can set up a lightbox and shoot a standard photo of a Christmas ornament hanging on a wire. The background and lighting are technical, not artistic... and as I said, the photo isn't even one of the better from the set.

When I shot the photos, I was merely documenting, for my wife and kids, how these 40+ year old handmade ornaments look -- so we could all remember them years from now when they finally fall apart. I posted the set to Flickr simply because I wanted to share the nostalgia of handmade Christmas ornaments with others.

I'm flattered and thankful Getty requested to license the photo. But, for the life of me, I have NO idea what anyone would want to pay for that photo. I have tons that are far better. Haha!

Here is the photo we're talking about:


The entire set is located here.

I guess I'm hoping it's a country-Christmas company wanting to use it for advertising -- and this photo just fits the bill. Who knows, at this point?

[BuddhaPi]

They don't pay much, cause they're busy making money in other ways..or at least trying to.The Getty Images Settlement Demand Letter: Reporting on the Extortion Letter Scheme

[danbaileyphoto]

I guess if you never expected to earn any money from this shot, go ahead and license it, not expecting that you'll make very much. Just know that if you sign up for the Getty agreement, you won't be allowed to market any of your Flickr images, or any similar images that you may have through any other channels. Getty will be the exclusive agent for any and all of these images.

[CharlieJ]

Originally Posted by danbaileyphoto

... Just know that if you sign up for the Getty agreement, you won't be allowed to market any of your Flickr images, or any similar images that you may have through any other channels. Getty will be the exclusive agent for any and all of these images.

Yeah, I'm not going to allow that. So... I guess I won't be a part of Getty Images after all. Exclusive rights to market all my photos is mine alone.

[Jim Bryant]

Good for you CharlieJ!