NUJ Freelance Fees Guide: Photography - Magazines

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.

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.

Read me first! Magazines advice

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

Reported rates, to compare for Magazines

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

NUJ members discuss rates etc for photography

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		800
Day rate - at least		500
Half-day rate		300

RATES: Commissions Magazines category: B: smaller consumer mags

Day rate		350
Half-day rate		200

RATES: Commissions Magazines category: C-D: trade and cheap specialist mags

Day rate		300
Half-day rate		175

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.

RATES: Stock pictures Magazines category: A: large-circulation and glossy mags

Cover		480
Double-page spread		420
Full page		295
1/2 page		140
1/4 page		95
1/8 page		80

RATES: Stock pictures Magazines category: B: smaller consumer mags

Cover		325
Double-page spread		295
Full page		210
1/2 page		120
1/4 page		85
1/8 page		75

RATES: Stock pictures Magazines category: C-D: trade and cheap specialist mags

Cover		250
Double-page spread		235
Full page		180
1/2 page		100
1/4 page		70
1/8 page		60

Notes:

Stock picture rates are for one use only in print.
Add 50% for simultaneous web publication.

See: Photography / PR - higher rates apply...

See: Photography / Online rates

See: Search fees

See: Photographers' networks

Find a freelance

Photographer

Agreements

Agreements affecting Photography / Magazines

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.