scott_jones2 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Well I just got my first web site up of my large format work last week and have already been approached by someone who wants to license an image for his rock band's CD cover. Well I was astounded. Being a passionate amateur, I have no photo business background, but know I would like to maintain control of all rights to the image, but am fine with licensing a specific use. Any thoughts on standard contracts and pricing? This is a band's first CD which will be distributed independently for now, but is being actively shopped for a label/distributor, but who knows if that will pan out. Thanks for any help you can give. Scott, http:/www.ScottJonesPhoto.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psychophoto Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 While this doesn't answer your question specifically, if you can get your hands on a copy of the ASMP Business Practices book, I would do so immediately. It would help you a great deal in this situation and is generally just a good book to have around, even if you don't work professionally. It answers a lot of good questions, has a lot of good guidelines, and seems to be of ever-growing importance right now as rights- grabbing and other bad business practices seem to be growing out of control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_mcgoldrick2 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 I'd get the asmp book for sure, but until you do this is how I handel it. Since it's a band they will want to pay next to nothing for your photo. I'd do it cheap maybe $100 or so since it's a self produced c/d and they probably expect to get it for free. Here is the catch though have them sign a contract saying that the $100 usage fee is for the first 2000 copies only then say for every 2000 additional copies you get an additional $50. Also say in your contract that if the disc gets picked up by a label prices will be reconfigured, more money (indi label a bit more money major label a lot more money). You may want to post this question on the pdn bussiness forum. www.pdn-pix.com . thats how I handel local bands when they come to me. www.dougphoto.com www.mcgoldrickphotot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne_crider4 Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 For those in the know, wouldn't copyrighting the image apply here? Especially with possible future sales Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_jones2 Posted June 5, 2003 Author Share Posted June 5, 2003 As I understand it, just the act of taking the picture and holding the negative implies a copyright that can be used to have an illegal user cease and desist. If you register your copyright with the Library of Congress then you can sue for damages. My concern with this post however, is pricing and contracting, since I have never done this before especially for a CD cover. . . Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted June 5, 2003 Share Posted June 5, 2003 Who is the artist, who is the record company, what is the size of the distribution? All of these are major majors in determine the correct price for the usage license. Obviously if it is a really big world renown act (Juilliard Quartet, The Rolling Stones or Eminem, etc. ) that s very different from a local act that is only pressing 1,000 CDs.<P>Your contract should definitely state how large (how many copies) of pressing can be done for the license they pay for. <P> You definitely want to register the copyright on all of your images on your website. You can register all of them for $35.00 plus postage. Otherwise it is like putting fenceposts in and forgetting to put the fencing material up. It is just good business to do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy_eads Posted June 6, 2003 Share Posted June 6, 2003 Scott, In addition to the ASMP guide already mentioned, check out books by Tad Crawford. His "Legal Guide for the Visual Artist" is outstanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now