A picture: worth 1000 words, but how many dollars?

[rivka]

I got e-mail from someone about one of my old, old pictures on Flickr.

I'm working on a baby accessory line and would like to use
your photo "airplane baby" ... on my hang tag and possibly
on my website. May I have permission to do this? If you
agree, I'd like to get a release form from you. Please let
me know.

I've gotten a request like this one before, but that was from someone putting together a nonprofit educational website. If someone wants to use one of my pictures in a commercial venture, I feel that I should ask for some money. But how much is reasonable? It's just a snapshot. (Albeit a cute one!)

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

You should ask for enough money to satisfy whatever need that money requires. If you want money just because, ask for $10 and you're officially a professional photographer. If you want money because an artist needs to be paid for her art, ask the break-even price that will make you happy whatever they decide. If you don't really want your photograph to be used in that way, ask a price so high that they'll go elsewhere.

For me, just having my photo used professionally would be cool enough.

B