unusual request..

[chalkie7]

Last night I received an email from someone via the contact details on my web-site. It wasn't the usual 'i'd like you to take some pictures of my son/daughter..' request, but instead he asked if I was willing to sell images from my model shoots on cd for 'personal use'.

Around half of the model shots on there are from TFCD shoots, and even though I own copyright, I don't think it would be fair on said models for me to then sell the images on (or at least without their knowledge / consent). After giving it some thought, what I did offer was to do a commissioned shoot for him, with the model of his choice, 40 post-processed images on a cd for £xxx.

My questions are, has anyone else been approached with a similar request and how others may have responded to such a request.

Regards,
Mark

[Doug Pardee]

Originally Posted by chalkie7

I don't think it would be fair on said models for me to then sell the images on (or at least without their knowledge / consent).

I would certainly hope that you had them sign a model release, and that the model release specifically says what you can and can't do with the photos. There should never be a question of whether it's fair for you to use the photos for any particular purpose.

[chalkie7]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

I would certainly hope that you had them sign a model release, and that the model release specifically says what you can and can't do with the photos. There should never be a question of whether it's fair for you to use the photos for any particular purpose.

no model releases involved, just a verbal understanding that the images were for portfolio use and self-promotion. Exactly why I said I would NOT consider selling them without first contacting the model involved and clearing it with her first. My preferred course of action would be the commissioned shoot route, but this seems unlikely as he has responded to my offer stating that he has previously paid other photographers 1/8th of the amount I quoted. Sounding more and more like he is simply a picture collector...one who I do not wish to do business with.

[RexK_Cozumel]

I think you handled the situation correctly. If you do not have a signed model release for a TF shoot then it is best to err on the side of caution. Also it sounds like this guy is a creep. I would stay far far away.

[AlexisM]

I think you handled it well. Especially since there weren't model releases involved, I wouldn't even think about offering/selling images. And I agree with Rex K, it sounds a little creepy.

[chalkie7]

thank you for the feedback on this one..it is appreciated. The guy is really off the wall..he has now identified a model he would like me to shoot, but she lives 200 miles from me. He would like the shoot to go ahead, to include 40 post-processed hi-res images...all for £50! So that's studio hire, payment to model plus travel, my shooting time plus time for post....anyone like to guess what my response was?!!

[macroMe]

Originally Posted by chalkie7

...anyone like to guess what my response was?!!

I can just imagine.
LMAO

[Gobae]

....but she lives 200 miles from me.

Sorry for the aside but this statement reminded me of a quote/joke.

"What's the difference between the UK and the US?"

"In the UK 200 miles is a long way; in the US 200 years is a long time"

[Jim Poor]

Perfect! Having lived and traveled throughout Europe, I get this completely!

Originally Posted by Gobae

Sorry for the aside but this statement reminded me of a quote/joke.

"What's the difference between the UK and the US?"

"In the UK 200 miles is a long way; in the US 200 years is a long time"

[Mr Guy]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Perfect! Having lived and traveled throughout Europe, I get this completely!

Continuing off topic, having grown up in the US south, gone to school in the US midwest, and dealt with a ton of Europeans, the one truth I've heard keeps sticking with me, the main difference between Europeans and Americans is that Europeans measure distance in kilometers while Americans measure distance in hours.

200 miles is over three hours, that's not even a good enough offer for the gas! Er...petrol?