May 30 2007
Famous Teeth
Recently I received one of the strangest requests ever to hit my inbox. Basically, a publishing company would like permission to publish one of my Flickr photos in a college textbook. For real! I’ve been told that after giving permission to the publisher:
Your image would appear .25 page size, in color, in the textbook Sociology: A Global Perspective 7th Edition ©2008, by author Joan Ferrante, published by Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. The textbook will be distributed Worldwide, in English language, with print run of 27,000.
That’s right. 27,000 worldwide copies floating around with my little picture inside. *GASP* And it just wouldn’t be right if I left you hanging here by not posting the photo, so here it is:
What do I do now? Agree? Call the dental assistant and get her permission, too? Ask for royalties? Request a copy for myself and all of my favorite relatives? Pass it off as spam? No way… it’s not spam. Can’t be. Let’s not go there.
I’m feeling just a wee bit dumbfounded right now. *shakes head*
UPDATE 6/1/07: She’s not returning my calls or emails. Whatever.
14 Responses to “Famous Teeth”
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Hey I think that was the same sociology book that I used, just many, many editions ago.
Well, I guess if you decide to let them use it, as a courtesy ask the dental assitant’s permission as well as your son’s. Make sure that you are credited as the photographer. Not sure what to do about the royalty question…
That’s pretty cool!
@Gina: Really? That’s pretty amazing. I’m taking your advice by contacting the dental assistant. And I also talked to the Communications Director here at my office. Cool indeed.
I’d charge a one-time fee, gaining permission from the assistant first.
So far that has been the consensus. Still waiting for the dental diva to get back to me… she’s kinda busy today.
I’ve asked S to stop by and give you the “photographer’s” skinny on this one.
I do have the opinion that you shouldn’t let it go for free. Stock photography is expensive!
@Natalie: What does S think about giving the credit to my consulting biz? With a link? The Comm Director recommends that.
Congratulations!
Okay, there’s a few things you gotta do. I used to work for a local stock agency, that was something of a portal for such large companies like Getty, Corbis and the like.
Legal:
First off, assuming the kid is yours, you’ll need to have a model release form, signed by you, because you’re the over 18 legal person that handles these matters.
Then you’ll need a model release form on hand, from the dental assistant (or whoever else that is in the photo).
You may or may not need a property release form from the dentit’s office, since private office space counts as private property (unlike a tree in the forest on government land). However, it always helps to ask. Do that and have it on hand. It’s called covering your assets. Assume nothing, no matter how friendly someone is.
You’ll want to ask the company if they want the image on an “exclusive” level (meaning, you can’t sell it to anyone else, or give away, or use for anything other than your personal display, or portfolio), or in some sort of “rights managed” sort of way. A contract would behoove both you and them.
Usually images sold by major stock photography companies, are priced according to their usage and/or publication. I would estimate, the market value for this, would price at about $3,000 - $4,000 per image.
Don’t take less than $1,000.
I have to wonder at them cruising Flickr, looking for photos outside of a regular agency. They’re probably looking for a “bargain”. Don’t undersell yourself, and make sure there’s plenty of paper to cover you all…
Congratulations again!
Way cool! How much of a commision does CS get? But, seriously, congratulations.
i have absolutely no advice to give you, but i think it is pretty cool!
So, i am curious about this twitter thing, but this computer is painfully slow and stupid…maybe need to check it out at the library!
Very cool! I have no advice. I would probably have given the publishers the photo without a second thought and lost out on any $$ they would be willing to pay.
It’s a good thing you were able to talk to others and get some professional advice! Good luck!
I hope they do the right thing and offer compensation. As someone pointed out, the trolling for photos on Flickr; they may be looking for a freebie.
Aloha,
Missy
If you don’t get the releases, they will just have to recreate the scene with actors, or use it anyways and see if you sue.
what?! she’s not returning your phone calls/emails? That’s just rude. Doesn’t she realize you’ll see her again in about 6 mths - lol.
@mannyed: Oops! I should clarify that the “she” who isn’t answering my calls/emails is the publisher. Let this be a lesson for all. *hmmpff*
oooo my bad. nice dental assitant, rude publisher lady. Got it!