I had a similar thing happen a couple years ago - what I did was to ask for credit and for several copies of the finished product. It is possible I could have asked for some cash, but let me tell you - it is WAY cool to have those little books with my picture on the front and my name on the inside cover. I figure it will serve me well for the next time something like that happens - I might just ask for some $$!
Here is a thread discussing a similar situation that happened not to long ago. There are a few differences, but the advise was varied and general enough it should apply.
Hi there. Congratulations. Is nice to feel that hower work is appreciated. I don't know about the prices or anything like it, but shure it is fun to see your photo in a publication.
The basic advice is to license the image -- not "sell" it -- for whatever you can get. If they can afford to have a "corporate publication" they can at least afford to pay the same as for a "stock" photo ... for a one-use license on printed material that would probably be anywhere from US $30-3,000 (estimate!)
hey, thanks to all for good advice. i have, as of today, sealed the deal.
i ended up with the following observations upon researching the process:
1. prices for such a use (cover of a corporate publication) do indeed range widely and generally go for $250 to $4000. i asked for a low-end price because i was most interested in the actual publication of the shot. a friend who is involved in photography (has professional photo feelers) was FURIOUS with me for low-balling. his view was that a big corporation should be able to (and willing to) pay top dollar.
2. when it came down to sending the photo, i realized that i really wanted a signed contract to include some of my requirements which included:
a. single use
b. copyright retention
c. photo credit to me within the publication
d. a copy of the final product to be sent to be
e. price as arranged.
writing this was tricky...i did not involve a lawyer but found a contract on the net that was similar enough to what i was seeking and i tooled it to meet my needs.
3. now i am officially a "professional" photographer. immensely satisfying.
My other advice would have been to set quite a high price, but then offer them a "first-time customer discount" so you could get the deal without completely lowering their (or others') expectations for future work ... sorry I forgot about that one. But as a published pro that won't be so much of a problem now : )
Regarding the photo... nice vanishing point you've got there. (ahem)
haha. this shot has already been retreaded in dpchallenge. and not without a bit of controversy. will have to find another topic for this new excellent challenge.
WTG daisy. That was a cool shot. I'm glad you got some bread for it. The whole story, as told in this thread, should serve as an inspiration to all of us who hope to join you in the ranks of the Professionals.
