tips2

TIP TOPIC #2 - Photo Assignments, Stock Sales and Usage

Deluxe Photo Jobs Database software has a built-in feature that quickly guides you in making customized contracts, tables of usage, and invoices for photo assignments and the licensing of existing stock photos.

What's the difference between photo assignments and stock - and how does usage play a role?

Photo assignments are customized to a client's concept or need. Therefore the images do not yet exist and are "assigned." Assignments can be given for advertising, editioral, brochures, websites, portraiture, weddings and other types of events. Usage licenses for assignment photography vary widely and can include restrictions on how, where and when the photos can be used. When you grant non-exclusive licensing for assignment work, you can license the images again (e.g. for stock) provided that the parameters are followed in the original licensing agreement. For example, if you grant a license for a period of 2 years, once the duration has ended, you can extend the license to your client for an additional time period for an additional negotiated fee or license the photo to someone else.

Stock is the licensing of existing (or "in-stock") images. They can come from a wide variety of sources including previously assigned photography for advertising, editorial, portraiture or events (as discussed above.) They could also have been shot specifically as a stock image to be licensed as such. Usage licenses for stock are typically non-exclusive so they can be re-licensed again and again. They can vary widely on their restrictions. Often they are licensed for a single use and a single run.

"Syndicated" is another term for entertainment/celebrity stock photos. If the subject in your photo is a celebrity, syndication is usually restricted to non-commercial (editorial) usage although there are some exceptions.

How do usage licenses work?

Just as a driver's license is necessary to lawfully drive your car, a usage license is necessary for a client to use your photo, whether you've been paid for an assignment or the photo is bought from stock. License parameters should be included in all assignment or stock agreements, giving your clients specific usage guidelines. See the next question for details.

Licensing seems so complicated. Is there an easy way to figure out what usage should be?

Licensing your photography can include a variety of usage restrictions such as the length of time or the region where it can be used. It could also include non-exclusivity and other limitations. We've tried to simplify and de-mystify the mystery surrounding usage. Deluxe PhotoJobsDatabase makes it easy for you to create licenses without having to remember all the limitations.

Our contracts, tables of usage and invoices include terminology universally accepted by art buyers and clients. Built-in templates allow you to enter your usage in a straightfoward, organized and professional way so you and your client can see clearly what the restrictions are. And you can import up to 32 existing photos into the License/Stock Table of Usage when one or multiple stock photos are being licensed. See our Deluxe Edition product page for more information.

How do I determined pricing for assignments and stock?

You should almost inevitably ask more for assignment work than what you would sell a stock photo for. Check back soon for more details about estimating assignment jobs and stock photos.

*Please note: Photographic Commerce LLC is not rendering legal or accounting advice regarding usage and other topics that may be covered throughout this site and in our software. We advise seeking independent legal counsel and consulting with your accounting professional. Our Policies page has additional information regarding the content and use of the documents contained in Deluxe PhotoJobsDatabase.

TIP TOPIC #3: MARKETING YOUR WORK >>

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