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Photography / Magazines

Rates paid by magazines vary immensely. The bands used below reflect currently paid rates for different categories of client; they are not hard or fast, but an aid to negotiation.

Note that these rates do not include production charges!

* Read me first!  Photography / Magazines advice
*Who and what is this guide for? *Accessibility *Privacy
* Uploaded 1818/0404/21212121: if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/PhMagRat.html

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

The suggested rates (Know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names
* See also: reported rates, to compare: Photography / Magazines
RATES: Commissions
Magazines category: A: large-circulation and glossy mags

Few jobs really take up less than a day - see Day/base rates.
Day rate - bigger-budget or demanding clients GBP 880.00
Day rate - at least GBP 550.00
Half-day rate GBP 330.00
RATES: Commissions
Magazines category: B: smaller consumer mags
Day rate GBP 385.00
Half-day rate GBP 220.00
RATES: Commissions
Magazines category: C-D: trade and cheap specialist mags
Day rate GBP 330.00
Half-day rate GBP 192.50

Notes:

  • Commission rates suggested here are for editorial, 35mm-format or DSLR work only. Large-format work and studio work command higher fees.
  • Rates include a limited licence for immediate use in one publication, usually a print edition.
  • Add 50% for simultaneous web publication.
* Suggested schedule of cancellation fees
RATES: Stock pictures
Magazines category: A: large-circulation and glossy mags
Cover GBP 528.00
Double-page spread GBP 462.00
Full page GBP 324.50
1/2 page GBP 154.00
1/4 page GBP 104.50
1/8 page GBP 88.00
RATES: Stock pictures
Magazines category: B: smaller consumer mags
Cover GBP 357.50
Double-page spread GBP 324.50
Full page GBP 231.00
1/2 page GBP 132.00
1/4 page GBP 93.50
1/8 page GBP 82.50
RATES: Stock pictures
Magazines category: C-D: trade and cheap specialist mags
Cover GBP 275.00
Double-page spread GBP 258.50
Full page GBP 198.00
1/2 page GBP 110.00
1/4 page GBP 77.00
1/8 page GBP 66.00

Notes:

  • Stock picture rates are for one use only in print.
  • Add 50% for simultaneous web publication.
* Photography / Magazines advice
Agreements
* Agreements affecting Photography
Find a freelance

Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:

* Photographer
More advice and links...
* On negotiating for Photography / Magazines
* Photography / PR - higher rates apply...
* Search fees
* Photographers' networks
[www.londonfreelance.org]
* Code of practice for commissioning journalists
* Copyright guidelines for editors
* Confirmation of Commission forms
* Fees Guide contents page
* What you should know about copyright
* Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
* Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representation
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Text © Mike Holderness & previous contributors; Moral rights asserted. The collection (database right) © National Union of Journalists. Comments to ffg@londonfreelance.org please. You may find the glossary helpful.

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.