Digital Prints

[SoulCapture]

With the increase of social networking websites, I find that the more people need digital prints. I started to sell my digital prints, but not a full high res copy. In lightroom 3, there is an option to export for "Email." The file is a jpeg format that has a maximum size of 640 pixels (width or height), medium quality, and a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. As I do sell more hard copy prints, I do have some clients that wish to have a new facebook profile picture. Instead of telling them to scan, I just charge them. I had one of my clients buy a digital for work. I was wondering if anybody else practices this? Just thought I'd share.

[OsmosisStudios]

"digital prints" is a terrible term. Just sayin'. I'll use the more common and less ridiculous "digital files" or "files" in it's place.

Selling files isn't new: I very very rarely sell full-res files, and when I do they come at an absolutely outrageous cost to the client, usually because of the licensing that comes with them.

Most clients end up with 1800x1200 (or similar) sized files, suitable for prints up to 6x9 or 8x12 at most. These arent too expensive, but come with an unlimited print license up to those sizes.

I do offer a web-only file size (generally 900x600) which comes with a license for web or digital use only.

The cost associated is generally more for the license than the size of the picture. I could just as easily sell a client a full-res image, and just limit the license to web use. It wouldnt help either of us, as I dont like having full-res files floating around, but the major issue is licensing.

So, whatever you do, make sure the LICENSE you grant a client is appropriate and appropriately priced.

[SoulCapture]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

"digital prints" is a terrible term. Just sayin'. I'll use the more common and less ridiculous "digital files" or "files" in it's place.

Selling files isn't new: I very very rarely sell full-res files, and when I do they come at an absolutely outrageous cost to the client, usually because of the licensing that comes with them.

Most clients end up with 1800x1200 (or similar) sized files, suitable for prints up to 6x9 or 8x12 at most. These arent too expensive, but come with an unlimited print license up to those sizes.

I do offer a web-only file size (generally 900x600) which comes with a license for web or digital use only.

The cost associated is generally more for the license than the size of the picture. I could just as easily sell a client a full-res image, and just limit the license to web use. It wouldnt help either of us, as I dont like having full-res files floating around, but the major issue is licensing.

So, whatever you do, make sure the LICENSE you grant a client is appropriate and appropriately priced.

Hmmm very interesting. I have never considered that. I guess I wasn't thinking globally enough; as I just gave the benefit of the doubt that the image was just used for social networks, electronic newsletters, and email. Thanks for the heads up Os!!! I am searching for usage agreements/licensing samples right now.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by SoulCapture

With the increase of social networking websites, I find that the more people need digital prints. I started to sell my digital prints, but not a full high res copy. In lightroom 3, there is an option to export for "Email." The file is a jpeg format that has a maximum size of 640 pixels (width or height), medium quality, and a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. As I do sell more hard copy prints, I do have some clients that wish to have a new facebook profile picture. Instead of telling them to scan, I just charge them. I had one of my clients buy a digital for work. I was wondering if anybody else practices this? Just thought I'd share.

ohhh you mean digital copies, lol. Digital prints just sounds confusing... anyways yea charge for digital copies optimized for the web I recommend where the client can use it online and not put up high res without your permission or even by mistake. I would just sell a number of completed retouched photos both per photo cost or in batches. Generally a portrait session could be 5-10 good photos out of 100 photos taken, but of course it depends the type of portrait photography, I shoot model photography and shoot for about 2-3 hours and shoot about 100 photos per hour and only get 10-20 photos from 300-400 photos that are great to use, and thats after the client picks their favorites and I pick from the favorites they've chosen I thought were good.

[prince]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

"digital prints" is a terrible term. Just sayin'. I'll use the more common and less ridiculous "digital files" or "files" in it's place.

Selling files isn't new: I very very rarely sell full-res files, and when I do they come at an absolutely outrageous cost to the client, usually because of the licensing that comes with them.

Most clients end up with 1800x1200 (or similar) sized files, suitable for prints up to 6x9 or 8x12 at most. These arent too expensive, but come with an unlimited print license up to those sizes.

I do offer a web-only file size (generally 900x600) which comes with a license for web or digital use only.

The cost associated is generally more for the license than the size of the picture. I could just as easily sell a client a full-res image, and just limit the license to web use. It wouldnt help either of us, as I dont like having full-res files floating around, but the major issue is licensing.

So, whatever you do, make sure the LICENSE you grant a client is appropriate and appropriately priced.

Do you mind sharing or point to a resource for the language you use in your licenses, please?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by prince

Do you mind sharing or point to a resource for the language you use in your licenses, please?

Not that complex. You should be able to find a bunch of examples online.

Something along the lines of:

[the photographer] hereby grants [the client] an unlimited and perpetual license to display, use, or otherwise place [the photo(s)] on a website, social media network, blog, or other Internet-based system, provided [the client] does not claim [the photo(s)] to be their own, re-sell, re-license, sub-license, or otherwise transfer copyright or ownership.

You'd also likely include sections for editing (ie NOT allowing it), and crediting you as a photographer if necessary.

(the sample above is just off the top of my head: not legal advice or even properly written. Google knows all)