Selling pictures to company

[Timppa]

Hi!

The company that I work at, might be interested in using some of my pictures (somewhere between 5 to 50). These pictures would be used as (to the customer optional) backgrounds in their software.

I have no experience with selling (the rights for using) pictures with this purpose.

Would it be possible to give some advice? Or what could I ask?
I am in Europe, so there might be different advice then for the US market.

Thanks!

 

[NS: Nikon Shooter]

-

Terveisiä sinulle!

Depending on the generic or specific character of the shots, different
approaches are possible.

GENERIC
A picture that can be used for anything in any circumstances… like a
scenery. Usually, these pictures are rented for a predetermined stretch
of time or edition and renegotiated when necessary — you keep the
copyrights unless sold too.

SPECIFIC
A picture that can identify a product, identity or firm — by logo, cor-
porate colours or else. Those are normally sold (inclusive rights).

HTH!

 

[AlanKlein]

Would they tell you what they budgeted for the pictures?

 

[mrca]

Alan, that is the first question to ask them. You could be giving a quote way less than they were prepared to pay. Negotiations 101, he who speaks first loses.

 

[acparsons]

How about checking a stock photography site for the usage/prices?

 

[NS: Nikon Shooter]

How about checking a stock photography site for the usage/prices?

No good idea, stock is for those who don't want to have
to care about the business end of it.

 

[Timppa]

-

Terveisiä sinulle!

Depending on the generic or specific character of the shots, different
approaches are possible.

GENERIC
A picture that can be used for anything in any circumstances… like a
scenery. Usually, these pictures are rented for a predetermined stretch
of time or edition and renegotiated when necessary — you keep the
copyrights unless sold too.

SPECIFIC
A picture that can identify a product, identity or firm — by logo, cor-
porate colours or else. Those are normally sold (inclusive rights).

HTH!

Terve! Most likely it would be Generic

Would they tell you what they budgeted for the pictures?

I have no idea about budget, and before they had used some stock photography.

It's all still pretty vague at this point, but it would be great to know a bit the ballpark. Even if the guesses are far away from one another.

 

[NS: Nikon Shooter]

It's all still pretty vague at this point…

Yes, and it can't be otherwise.

A product sold around the world may have a fix price but a photo
— unless a stock photo — is something else.

In your case, I would suggest Alan's idea… ask for what they would
offer.

 

[Timppa]

Yes, and it can't be otherwise.

A product sold around the world may have a fix price but a photo
— unless a stock photo — is something else.

In your case, I would suggest Alan's idea… ask for what they would
offer.

Well that is good advice from you and Alan!
But just wondering where to draw the line?
What would be a minimum?
Let's say they take 20 pictures, I feel like 20eur/month would be very little?
Or is it more of a 1 time selling the rights to use them with indefinite time? How much could one ask for that...

 

[AlanKlein]

You're trying to get into their heads and guess what they want to do. Why don't you ask them? Ask what budget they have and whether they want to buy the rights forever or an indefinite period. Or exactly what it is they want to do.

They seemed flexible on the quantity of photos they wanted. So they probably flexible on the amount they want to spend as well.

Since you work for them, maybe you can swing a pay increase. That might pay off more over the long run. Just an idea.

 

[NS: Nikon Shooter]

But just wondering where to draw the line?

Just between commerce and business.

Anyone with experience in business will tell you that drawing
that line is the art of it… that's why you won't get any specific
figure from Alan nor me.

 

[Timppa]

This is all fantastic feedback, I'll definitely keep it in mind.
I like the idea of a pay increase!
Let's see what happens

Thanks guys!

 

[vintagesnaps]

Even though you're not in the US you might want to take a look at organizations like ASMP or PPA; that might give you some ideas what to search online for your country. See what you can find on licensing usage, contracts, etc.

Photographers usually license usage for a specific purpose and don't sell their original RAW files. If they do, they charge a high price, which it doesn't seem like your client would want to do.

Maybe try looking up other photographers in your area, although I doubt they'd have pricing on their websites. Any photography organizations would probably be good resources.

 

[Timppa]

That's good thinking!
I'll have a look around and see what I can find!