Photography / National newspapers
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.
Note that these rates do not include production charges!
The suggested rates
Read me first! Photography / National newspapers: advice
See also: notes on negotiating rates for this work
See also: reported rates, to compare: Photography / National newspapers
Know a better rate? Tell us!
Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.
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RATES: Commissions National newspapers category: Newspapers |
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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. |
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| Better-paying - eg Telegraph commission |  |
275.00 |
| Guardian agreed rate: per day as of 12 Oct 2017 | |
275.00 |
| Guardian agreed rate: per day | |
267.68 |
| Commission | |
220.00 |
Shift payments - tax & time off general advice|
RATES: Commissions National newspapers category: Newspaper supplements |
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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. |
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Notes:
- The current Guardian agreement provides an extra 1.5% to photographers who agree to licence digital uses.
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RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspapers - broadsheet |
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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. |
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| 1-5 sq ins | |
71.50 |
| 10 sq ins or 1/32 page | |
77.00 |
| 11-20 sq ins or 1/16 page | |
88.00 |
| 21-42 sq ins or 1/8 page | |
110.00 |
| 43-85 sq ins or 1/4 page | |
176.00 |
| 86-170 sq ins or 1/2 page | |
231.00 |
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RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspapers - compact size |
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The figures below are for "qualities" only. Tabloids or "red-top" titles can pay double, or more. |
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| 1-4 sq ins or 1/32 page | |
71.50 |
| 5-11 sq ins or 1/16 page | |
88.00 |
| 12-22 sq ins or 1/8 page | |
110.00 |
| 23-44 sq ins or 1/4 page | |
176.00 |
| 45-90 sq ins or 1/2 page | |
231.00 |
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RATES: Stock pictures National newspapers category: Newspaper supplements |
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Newspapers' magazine supplements pay higher magazine market rates. See the link below. |
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Notes:
- All stock picture rates are for print use only excluding electronic editions or web use which should command an additional fee.
Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:
Photographer On negotiating for photography / national newspapers Day/base rates advice
Uploaded 09/06/2323: if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/PhNatRat.html![[www.londonfreelance.org]](gif/nujsma.gif)
Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representationText © 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.
