looking for some basic real world advice

[nongfuspring]

When you sell the photograph you usually sell the exclusive rights to their use for profit - especially when they're used for promotional purposes. You can have it worked into the agreement that the work is still available for use for yourself for portfolio purposes but it would come across to me as strange that you'd expect payment for your work as well as retain full control over it for secondary commercial ends.

Anyway, it's great you're getting paid. IMO the whole "do what you love, it's not about the money" sentiment devalues the very real work that goes into these things.

 

[back alley]

they agreed to my terms…they get promotional use and i get to sell them as prints if i choose.
it's a small amount considering what they are getting and the amount of time/energy that has gone into this.
on the other hand…i have considered it volunteer work for the past year and a labour of 'like' since i started it many years ago.
besides, it's a warm place to shoot in the winter 😉

so…pay a bill or buy a lens?

 

[noisycheese]

I have to admit - authorized photographers take better pictures than unauthorized unknowns. 😀

Yes they do - as much as 31% better.

Whenever I am authorized to photograph, my images of that location or subject immediately improve by 27%. 😛