First time deal

[btgc]

Just took home signed contract, first one. I were found on flickr by agency, they wanted to use two pictures. They needed them only for use in electronic form for limited time. Pictures aren't masterpieces, I just had put them on flickr and tagged properly so they popped out when searched by keywords. I didn't ask real money for 3mpix slightly blurry shots with blown highlights (handheld P&S at 1sec bulb), just symbolic sum to know for both sides this weren't for sweet nothing.

Mainly I tested my ability to communicate with agency. I pointed out to some unclear lines in contract regarding terms of use. Mainly, I clearly said I'm granting them rights to use pictures for limited scope. As this is internet based project, it's hard to express time so my requirement were to exactly define project for which pictures will be used. Probably they would never do otherwise but my day job has taught me to pay some attention to details in paperwork.

Maybe some of you will tell I'm fool not asking max I could sqeeze out but I just couldn't ask anything serious for shots like this. Yes, with some level of bravery one could tell art doesn't have to be hi-res or well exposed but this really aren't shots of alien playing chess with Hitler so I knew for myself what kind of deal this is.

 

[Lauffray]

That's pretty good I think, now when you do get the deal of the decade, you have a precedent in "experience" which you can use.

 

[dogberryjr]

Maybe some of you will tell I'm fool not asking max I could sqeeze out but I just couldn't ask anything serious for shots like this.

Nope, not at all. Charge what makes you feel right. Also, congrats!

 

[btgc]

Thank you support!

In my proposal I suggested to include text specifying limitations of use - agency could alter images to certain extent, including slight cropping and brightness/contrast adjustments - strictly within limits retaining original meaning of images. Basically, I wanted make sure they don't put there something what weren't there, don't join it with another picture within one frame and such things. Finally this weren't included but I had beforehand layout of final product which suggested this isn't the case. Be this pictures and project, how Lauffray calls it, deal of the decade - be sure I wouldn't sign contract without detailed T&C on processing and modifications.
Yes, I'm aware print normally is final product but let's face it - we are speaking about certain market which uses pictures in electronic form not prints so just decide if we accept such deals at all, and cover our backs if we do. I think had I cause to get alarmed, having layout in mailbox would help me standing on my own.

But I have another question - how do you give electronic images to clients? I mean, I sent them (because of rush, normally I would deliver disc/flash) original files with EXIFs. I realize, someone skilled and with bad intent, can fabricate EXIF (probably not so easy in case of personalized PJ camera which is not my case). My logic were - I have larger series of similar shots so I could prove this two were captured by me. I understand case of RAWs - submit compressed file, no matter with EXIF or without, and RAW file still outweights compressed file (OK, there can be specific cases with stolen or found camera or card when photographer doesn't have original files...). Would like to hear from you on this particular aspect - EXIF, formats at all etc.