Photography
There are two main ways photographers charge for their work - either on commission, or through reproduction fees. In either case, as "authors" under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, and therefore owners of the copyright in their photographs, they are in fact issuing licenses to reproduce them. For convenience, however, the suggested rates are listed in the traditional categories of commission and repro fees.
There is a lot of advice to give and we have divided it into the following sections:
Negotiating rates + rights
Negotiating rates and rights is the key to making practical use of the figures in this guide.
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Day/base rates
Photographers working on commission charge by time, typically by the day...
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Digital pricing
For both photographer and client, digital technology can produce results that are better - but not cheaper...
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Contracts + paperwork
Contracts are best in writing. Oral agreements are legally binding but can be difficult to enforce in court. And putting things in writing, by clarifying the expectations of both parties, can prevent conflict arising in the first place.
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Copyright
The freelance author of a photograph - that is, the person who creates it - is the first owner of the copyright in it. Photographers are frequently put under great pressure to surrender this hard-won right, but are strongly advised never to do so.
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Useful networks and links
Photographers have found that rapid communication among themselves has become essential - to warn of abuses, to pass on news, and to act collectively to solve problems.
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Tracking down pirates
Technology for finding photographs is likely to change quite fast. In the fairly near future it may be possible to send a photo to a special search engine that will find other photos that look like it. At the moment, though, your best bet is to search for text that would be likely to be wrapped round a particular photo.
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On negotiating for Photography / Magazines
On negotiating for Photography / Public relations
On negotiating for Photography / Corporate work
On negotiating for Photography / National newspapers
On negotiating for Photography / Regional newspapers
On negotiating for Photography / Videography
On negotiating for Photography / Broadcasting
On negotiating for Photography / Books
On negotiating for Photography / Online use of photos
On negotiating for Photography / Production charges / exes
Agreements affecting PhotographyGenerally useful links:
![[www.londonfreelance.org]](gif/nujsma.gif)
Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
www.londonfreelance.org much more information...
Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representation
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.
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