NUJ Freelance Fees Guide: Picture editing and research - All

Picture editing and research

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.

Picture researchers' responsibilities can also include a wide range of tasks, from commissioning photographers to organising return of originals within deadlines. It is vital that these responsibilities are clearly spelled out when an editor or researcher is engaged.

Read me first! Picture editing and research advice

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

Reported rates, to compare for Picture editing and research

The suggested rates (know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names

NUJ members discuss rates etc for shifts in general

RATES: Books

Creative picture research: per day		150
Basic picture research: per day		120
Creative picture research: per hour		20
Basic picture research: per hour		17

See: Editing/producing books rates

RATES: Broadcasting

Per day		190
Per hour		27
Basic picture research: per day		150

RATES: Magazines category: A-B: glossy and consumer mags

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

Basic picture research: per day		125
Basic picture research: per hour		17

RATES: National newspapers category: Newspapers

Per day		130

RATES: Public relations category: High budget

Per hour		34

RATES: Public relations category: Low budget

Per hour		24

See: Public Relations / Editing+production rates

Notes:

Freelances should charge extra for experience of more than four years and familiarity with a range of picture sources; for photographic qualifications; for working in more than one language; for working under pressure (for example working for partworks or packagers where time is often very short); for researching images for advertising; and for any added responsibility carried.
Any freelance asked to do something unethical, such as lying to agencies about how the work is to be used, must avoid actually doing so and lodge details with the Freelance Office. Collective action is more effective than individual action and less likely to leave the freelance isolated and branded unprofessional.
If a client offers a vague brief, it can be useful to offer a consultation first.
If an interview turns out to be a consultation, the freelance is entitled to charge for it as such. A reasonable rate for consultancy - which would include a detailed, written report - would be about £220.
A single original image normally has an insurance value of £600 - and if the image is unrepeatable this may be £1000 or more. It is in freelance researchers' interest to check that the publishers or those commissioning the research take responsibility for insurance.

Find a freelance

Picture_researcher

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.