NUJ Freelance Fees Guide: Photography - National newspapers

Photography / National newspapers

Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included. See notes on negotiating rates and find a freelance.

Newspapers do not pay commission rates that correspond to a professional income (see advice page): the following market rates are for information only and not recommended . The NUJ does not recommend that any photographer work for less than £250 per day.

Read me first! National newspapers advice

Uploaded: 2008-05-05; if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/PhNatRat.html

Reported rates, to compare for National newspapers

The suggested rates (know a better rate? tell us!)

NUJ members discuss rates etc for photography

RATES: Commissions National newspapers category: Newspapers
Some papers pay these rates for a commission, some for a whole day shift; some will pay two commissions in a day. Many cap wiring fees at around £50. Some papers pay as little as £150 - and we are told of the Sunday Mirror paying £320.
Better-paying - eg Telegraph commission		250
Guardian agreed rate: per day		221
Commission		175

See: Shift payments - tax & time off general advice

Notes:

The current Guardian agreement provides an extra 1.5% to photographers who agree to licence digital uses.

RATES: Commissions National newspapers category: Newspapers' supplements
Photography for the newspapers' magazine supplements is the exception to the general inadequacy of rates - it commands much higher magazine market rates. See the link below.

See: Photography/Magazines

RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspapers - broadsheet
Reproduction fees for stock pictures are much closer to the rest of the publishing market than commission fees. The figures below are for "qualities" only. Tabloids/popular/red-top titles can pay double.
1-5 sq ins		65
10 sq ins or 1/32 page		70
11-20 sq ins or 1/16 page		80
21-42 sq ins or 1/8 page		100
43-85 sq ins or 1/4 page		160
86-170 sq ins or 1/2 page		210

RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspapers - compact size
The figures below are for "qualities" only. Tabloids or "red-top" titles can pay double, or more.
1-4 sq ins or 1/32 page		65
5-11 sq ins or 1/16 page		80
12-22 sq ins or 1/8 page		100
23-44 sq ins or 1/4 page		160
45-90 sq ins or 1/2 page		210

RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspapers' supplements
Newspapers' magazine supplements pay higher magazine market rates. See the link below.

See: Photography/Magazines

Notes:

All stock picture rates are for print use only excluding electronic editions or web use which should command an additional fee.

See: Day/base rates advice

See: Photography/Regional newspapers

See: Search fees

See: Photographers' networks

Find a freelance

Photographer

Agreements

Agreements affecting Photography / National newspapers

Code of practice for commissioning journalists

Generally useful links:

The National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.

Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.