Comments on: I’m Flattered

By: Steve Eshom

Steve Eshom — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:08:32 +0000

Since we live in a free market economy a photographer can charge what the market will bear. I say that to show that what a photographer charges a client for a photograph varies based on numerous factors. It is best to know what your client’s business is and how it works, how much you think the photograph is worth to them, and the client’s potential uses. Those in my mind are just the easy factors, there are more and they vary from situation to situation.

Keep in mind the demand of for the style of photography we do as railfans is not the hottest commodity. Because of that the prices paid in general are not on par with those of a photographer who sells to corporations or sells fine art. Bottom line is you won’t get rich selling railfan style photos, in fact many general photographers don’t get rich either since the market is becoming more saturated with digital photos.

There is a software package you can purchase (I believe $99, but don’t quote me) that you can enter factors into and it will calculate what you should charge. Its not perfect because it only knows what you tell it but it could work as a guideline. Search the forums on Fred Miranda if you want more information.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:49:32 +0000

So how does one determine what to charge for the use of a photo? That’s entirely new territory for me. Not like I can take great pix like that Stampede Pass shot, but you never know…

First time visitor to Dogcaught by the way. Great blog.

Kurt

By: Adron

Adron — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:55:54 +0000

It all boils down to a little honesty and integrity. Regardless of the law, it’s super easy to ask a photographer and generally an artist or photographer will let you use their work without remuneration, pending you aren’t gonna make a ton of cash yourself.

I’ve talked to at least 15 artists and photographers over the years for various things I’ve just pointed to on my blogs, I just consider it good practice and honest. The last thing I ever want to do, is even be remotely associated with the idea of theft.

By: Aaron Hockley

Aaron Hockley — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:12:26 +0000

Tom, you should do some reading on what is copyright, and how it works. Every image is copyrighted from the moment it is created. It does not need to be registered, and doesn’t need a copyright notice. The over-simplified guideline is that if you didn’t take the photo, or explicitly receive permission from the person who did, it’s inappropriate for you to use it.

It’s only “open game” for those who want to steal another’s work. The fact that you let folks steal your work and it doesn’t bother you does not change the fact that what they’re doing is illegal.

By: Tom Horstmann

Tom Horstmann — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:44:07 +0000

The issue most people are missing is that the web is open platform, and unless images include copywrite, they are open game. My recommendation for those who don’t want their works exploited would be to copywrite it. That will not stop all unauthorized use of web images, but it would cut down on abuse. That said, I shoot commercial grade photographs that are used by railroads throughout the World, often without consent or compensation. But that doesn’t bother me, and never has. I take pride in my photos being viewed and enjoyed by many.

Otherwise, what is the point of photographing trains in the first place.

Sincerely,

Tom