Cost of a photo to go in a magazine??

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
OK!! When some of you get a picture published in a magazine, what would you charge for the picture or pictures. This is a big publication tourist magazine for the area.
 
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

did the hire you to take it or just see it and want to publish it. They may want it for free. There are so many variables. Is it a free magazine that is given away at tourist welcome centers and motels?
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

Why should you give away your work?

If they say "But we'll give you a photo credit",.... well in the real world that's worthless. I'd start with a c-note.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

They asked what I charge and I have never got this kind of offer before. They are landmarks and scenery of the local area.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

It is an online and paper tour guide, That covers pretty much most of the new yoork area and wineries around the finger lakes. I just sent her an e-Mail to see what pictures and how they will be used. It might be a one time deal or maybe every time it is published. All I know is that when I do a package pick up at that business I get a lot of boxes.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

Wow congrats! I wish you all the luck my friend! I hope you'll do awesome! :D
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

I went to a stock photo calculator and just for a 1/4 page or less the minimum price says $350. I feel overwhelmed asking for that but, has anyone else in here ever get this chance?? What to do!!!
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

I would ask what the circulation is, and if the image is going to be used once or multiple times and for how long.

Also, ask them if they want exclusivity (meaning you won't sell rights to the same images for an agreed-upon time frame).
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

In my e-mail I asked what size and how many photos would be used. I do believe they want more then one. Also I am going to say this is a yearly publication.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

If they do not want exclusive rights, then I would keep it low. You could get more work down the road out of the exposure. If you spook them with high prices, you get nothing. If it's yearly, another reason to be reasonable, they will want fresh pics each year.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

You could also offer them a package to use any of your shots at any size for a single price to fill the magazine (which will depend on the size of the mag).
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

You could also check their advertising prices and match those for the pics. This helps give you a guide to the value of space to them.
 

Alan

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

I recently gave a small local monthly paper 5 pictures to use in exchange for an ad for my business (non photography) The ad would have cost me $200 so I was happy.
 

Sandpatch

Senior Member
Re: Cost of a photo to go in a magazinw??

A well-recognized monthly hobby magazine I read with a monthly circulation of about 90,000 pays $50 per photo and also awards a 1 Year free subscription.
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
$350 seems high for licensing of this type. If it were a high end magazine or one with a lot bigger readership, you'd probably still be stretching it at that price. $50-$100 is much more reasonable.

I've dealt with this before, and here's the dirty secret: they're fishing. They know EXACTLY how much they can pay you, but they're testing to see if they can get it cheaper or free. Their pricing is based on the content of the photo, where it will go in the magazine, and how big it will be. If you were a regular contributor, they would've just dropped a check in the mail...but because you're not, they do the song and dance.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
I was thinking high too. The magazine is a tourist magazine for the area. They send it out to other Chamber of congress, Hotels wineries Etc. They do stories of the area and use a lot of pictures of the area. I figure if I make a little it gets my foot in the door farther. If I can be a constant contributor for what they are looking for, then great for me.

$350 seems high for licensing of this type. If it were a high end magazine or one with a lot bigger readership, you'd probably still be stretching it at that price. $50-$100 is much more reasonable.

I've dealt with this before, and here's the dirty secret: they're fishing. They know EXACTLY how much they can pay you, but they're testing to see if they can get it cheaper or free. Their pricing is based on the content of the photo, where it will go in the magazine, and how big it will be. If you were a regular contributor, they would've just dropped a check in the mail...but because you're not, they do the song and dance.
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
There's a lot to be said for the elbow rubbing and hobnobbing opportunities afforded by doing a solid for the local Chamber of Commerce, too. Still, a modest fee is in order.

A lot of these people sit on boards, are in the public eye, and are in-the-know. It could be a good marketing opportunity for you, but at the same time...you want your name to be on their lips as a photographer...just not as the guy who does free stuff.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
I wasn't going to give them away at all. I wanted to know what a good price would be to charge. My days of free are long gone. I have the foot in door for my postcards of Corning. I am also selling my prints at the Chamber info center. The only time I give free is if I donate to certain charities. I give a donation picture to the Red Cross every year and I have a few others to give this year. My foot is in the door and I don't want it slammed on. Thanks everyone for the advise. I will keep you informed this week.
 
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