Digital file value?

[amolitor]

I thought it was clear from the start that photography isn't my business? Nothing I have said makes any sense at all if it was a money-making operation for me, and I've been perfectly clear about that from the start, I think.

 

[amolitor]

I think amolitor should send all of us copies of all his digital files with no restrictions.

Because, umm... why not?

Because it would be spamming you with things you don't want, most likely, and that's rude.

Do you see an image of mine someplace that you'd like a digital copy of? I'd be happy to give you one.

 

[manaheim]

Rather than digging in to point by point stuff that's not really relevant to the thread, I will simply remark that:

a) I see your points!

b) One of the sources of my view about intellectual property is that the "control" you retain over IP which is in another's hands is largely illusory anyways. My view is not only a lighter burden on my soul, but a pragmatic one.

Yeah, totally agree. (someone mark a calendar!) but some protection is better than none, particularly if what they do with your work winds up on your doorstep as a law suit or something.

 

[Buckster]

I thought it was clear from the start that photography isn't my business? Nothing I have said makes any sense at all if it was a money-making operation for me, and I've been perfectly clear about that from the start, I think.

I agree with you 100%.

 

[terri]

Since the OP has YET to respond to the second post in this thread, back on page 1, you all might refrain from your internet fisticuffs until you have all the facts from OP. If he doesn't come back soon to this thread it's going to be closed (he started this a couple days ago and has not returned).

Please guys. Think twice before getting so carried away here. Thanks.

 

[manaheim]

I thought it was a civil and interesting conversation... did I miss something?

Edit: Just looked again... maybe a tiny bit of sarcasm, but nothing serious. I really don't see a point in locking the thread.

 

[Majeed Badizadegan]

Thanks everyone for the discussion. This discussion is basically what I wanted to see.

I don't think I'd ever part ways with a full size digital file of a landscape for free. I put too much time/money/energy into creating the shot to justify giving it to an anonymous internet stranger for free.

It still leaves me with how to price the file. This seems totally up to my discretion, as there is no guideline out there that I'm aware that exists for such a thing. It seems like the full size digital file should be at least the price I'd charge for the largest print that could be made from it-- because it gives the buyer the option to make multiple large prints at cost.

I'll just leave this here, as I've always fundamentally disagreed with Trey Ratcliff on this topic, but you can't argue with his success:

Why Photographers should Stop Complaining about Copyright and Embrace Pinterest

 

[Buckster]

One more time: What's the digital file going to be used for?

If it's going to be used ONLY for the guy's screensaver and he's never going to ever share it with anyone else, that's one thing. Price accordingly.

If it's going to be used in a world-wide advertising campaign for a giant corporation that has a near-unlimited advertising budget, that's a whole 'nuther thing. Price accordingly.

 

[kathyt]

One more time: What's the digital file going to be used for?

If it's going to be used ONLY for the guy's screensaver and he's never going to ever share it with anyone else, that's one thing. Price accordingly.

If it's going to be used in a world-wide advertising campaign for a giant corporation that has a near-unlimited advertising budget, that's a whole 'nuther thing. Price accordingly.

Yep. This. What are you selling? The right to use the digital file for XY or for XYZ? This is where the value of the image comes into play.

 

[Majeed Badizadegan]

He wants it for a design template to hang in his room.

 

[Buckster]

He wants it for a design template to hang in his room.

So, his intent is to make a print of it to hang on the wall. Sounds like you should be selling him a nice print in whatever size he wants to hang on the wall, based on your regular print prices.

It makes me wonder why he even wants the digital file.

However, if you really want to sell the digital file so that he can possibly edit it and print it himself, I'd again determine the intended size from him, write up a contract that specifically details the ONLY copyright use you're allowing based on what he says he wants to do with it. Include your price for a print of that size (minus your regular printing and shipping costs, if you feel generous - BUT - The fact that he'll have the digital file and can then make copy after copy as they fade or get destroyed without repeat buys from you should be taken into consideration). When the contract is agreed to and payment is made, work up a JPG file appropriate for the size he wants to print, and send it to him.

It reminds me of the kind of transactions that one engages in when buying stock photos online to work with, which are typically delivered online via JPG or TIFF file. If you buy an image to use as a background or a prop from Fotolia.com for example, the price varies depending on the original photographer/artist's value of his/her work and the size/quality needed. No matter what though, the buyer is restricted to use the image only as the contract agreement outlines.

Keep in mind also that stock agencies sell the same image to a lot of people/companies over time (the photographer/artist hopes), and they have a large enough audience and advertising resources to help make that happen. As such, it's not unusual for them to sell digital images for literally PENNIES each to users who buy in bulk. You, on the other hand, may only sell this image as a digital file just this once, and will have to price it accordingly.

 

[amolitor]

It sounds like the only meaningful way to set a price is to simply think on it, and come up with a number that's going to make you happy. You don't want to finish this deal feeling like you ripped the guy off, or feeling ripped off yourself.

Since there is money on the table, definitely write up an agreement, since that's going to affect how you feel about the number.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I just don't see any meaningful way to set a price other than 'a number you feel good about'. Just my take on it, of course.

 

[dmunsie]

He wants it for a design template to hang in his room.

When I see the word "template" I think of a multiple use situation. The words "digital file", "design template" does not sound like this person just wants to make one print. I agree with the other poster, if all he wants is a print, handle it for him and price accordingly. At this point you should be armed with enough info to make the best choice for yourself, but I personally think getting what he wants in writing should be the next step.

 

[dmunsie]

I'll just leave this here, as I've always fundamentally disagreed with Trey Ratcliff on this topic, but you can't argue with his success:

Why Photographers should Stop Complaining about Copyright and Embrace Pinterest

That strategy works well if your primary income goal is from ad based or affiliate based income. Bottom line, you have to give away free stuff in order to get traffic to your website. And this has worked well for Trey. It probably makes the most sense in today's free internet experience where everyone expect games, music, videos, to be free with ads, etc. I've decided not to go down that route, but it can work if you do it...right.