Photo on the cover of a magazine - how much?

Hi All,

What should be a reasonable charge for having a magazine print one of my pictures on the cover page of a magazine - and is there anything I should be aware of / keep in mind?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Regards,
Ray

Hey Ray,

That depends upon a lot of factors. All the magazines I deal with have a set rate. The most reputable ones list those pay rates in Writer's Market and Photographer's Market.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

Thanks for your note Ron,

Is there a place on the internet or something, where I can see some reference rates?

Further, the guy who'se contacted me does design work for the publisher and he's asking me if I'm ok, he wants me to send the high res picture to him and he'll give my details to the publishing magazine to contact me and give me a rate. What would you advice in this case?

I feel I shouldn't be sharing my high-res image with the designer as long as we don't decide on a rate right? If you were me what would you have done?

Thanks for your advice!

Regards,
Ray

Ron Kruger said:

Hey Ray,

That depends upon a lot of factors. All the magazines I deal with have a set rate. The most reputable ones list those pay rates in Writer's Market and Photographer's Market.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

Click to expand...

If it was me and I wanted the mag to print it then I would send the hi res along and wait for the publisher to get back to you with a rate. This is standard practice where I come from - from the few places that don't list their rates right up front.

You make a point of not listing the mag or any info on the mag so I can safely assume that it is a small circulation local type pub and you can't expect a big price in fact you are lucky that they offer to pay - many don't. Take what they offer for one time use and say thanks then add the cover to your portfolio.

Regards,
W Fenn
http://www.fennfoto.com

Thanks a lot for your advice! Really appreciate it.

You're right I think its a small circulation type publishing house - checked out their website. I've sent them the high-res image - lets see what they have to offer!

Thanks once again!

Regards,
Ray

W Fenn said:

If it was me and I wanted the mag to print it then I would send the hi res along and wait for the publisher to get back to you with a rate. This is standard practice where I come from - from the few places that don't list their rates right up front.

You make a point of not listing the mag or any info on the mag so I can safely assume that it is a small circulation local type pub and you can't expect a big price in fact you are lucky that they offer to pay - many don't. Take what they offer for one time use and say thanks then add the cover to your portfolio.

Regards,
W Fenn
http://www.fennfoto.com

Click to expand...

It's not standard practice in my neck of the woods, the publisher usually makes first contact, agrees a price then they send the high res file to the designer. I would have sent a low res file or got in touch with the publisher directly.

Still not everyone is a suspicious as me.

Chris
--
http://www.chp-architecturalphotography.com
http://www.chrishumphreys.net

Ray9110 said:

Is there a place on the internet or something, where I can see some reference rates?

Further, the guy who'se contacted me does design work for the publisher and he's asking me if I'm ok, he wants me to send the high res picture to him and he'll give my details to the publishing magazine to contact me and give me a rate. What would you advice in this case?

I feel I shouldn't be sharing my high-res image with the designer as long as we don't decide on a rate right? If you were me what would you have done?

Thanks for your advice!

Regards,
Ray

Ron Kruger said:

Hey Ray,

That depends upon a lot of factors. All the magazines I deal with have a set rate. The most reputable ones list those pay rates in Writer's Market and Photographer's Market.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Ray,

I don't see a problem with sending the high-res file, because they requested it. They probably just want to make sure it will reproduce on cover size, fit their formate, etc. before making an offer. They've already expressed an intent to publsih and an intent to pay. Save your correspondence with them.

Publishers set the rates, so there usually isn't much negotiations. Either what they offer will be acceptable or not, but I wouldn't expect much from a low circulation mag, especially if it is a tabloid.

Photographer's Market and Writer's Market both have websites to which you can subscribe. It's not a bad deal, but I prefer the hard copies. Every reputable magazine I know of also publishes a "writer's and photographers guidelines," which outline submission prodeecures, publishing schedules and pay rates. You might try contacting this mag and simply ask for their guidelines.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

I have, in the past, had a designer or publisher (or both) contact me in the same way this designer has contacted you...

I handle all contacts the same way:

No money/No honey.. PERIOD!

All real publishers know this, and a real "Designer" should know this if he/she has been in business for more that a minute and a half.

OTOH its your photo, and your money (or not).

Old age has made me cynical, but my observation is:

People will rob you whenever they can..

By sending your photo, you have given them an opportunity to rob you...

I would be surprised (but pleased) if you hear further from this guy.

I have even heard of a publisher telling a photographer he should be grateful that the magazine has chosen his photo, and thankful that they have chosen to cover the cost of putting the photo on the cover...

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

All over the world
Where ever you go
There, you are.

Yeah Chris, I was skeptical as well in the first place, however I've taken the step - so I guess I'll just be optimistic and wait and watch. Either ways, I'll learn

chris1humphreys said:

It's not standard practice in my neck of the woods, the publisher usually makes first contact, agrees a price then they send the high res file to the designer. I would have sent a low res file or got in touch with the publisher directly.

Still not everyone is a suspicious as me.

Chris
--
http://www.chp-architecturalphotography.com
http://www.chrishumphreys.net

Click to expand...

Ron thanks,

Yeah thanks. I did send him the high res file and I agree that they may have wanted to make sure the picture was fit for purpose. The designer did share a PDF file for the front page layout which had the low res picture (downloaded from Flickr) put into it, before asking me to send across the high-res file. I'll just be optimistic, wait and watch.

Thanks for your pointers. I will check out the websites and if possible also call up the publishers directly to seek guidelines.

Regards,
Ray

Ron Kruger said:

Ray9110 said:

Is there a place on the internet or something, where I can see some reference rates?

Further, the guy who'se contacted me does design work for the publisher and he's asking me if I'm ok, he wants me to send the high res picture to him and he'll give my details to the publishing magazine to contact me and give me a rate. What would you advice in this case?

I feel I shouldn't be sharing my high-res image with the designer as long as we don't decide on a rate right? If you were me what would you have done?

Thanks for your advice!

Regards,
Ray

Ron Kruger said:

Hey Ray,

That depends upon a lot of factors. All the magazines I deal with have a set rate. The most reputable ones list those pay rates in Writer's Market and Photographer's Market.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Ray,

I don't see a problem with sending the high-res file, because they requested it. They probably just want to make sure it will reproduce on cover size, fit their formate, etc. before making an offer. They've already expressed an intent to publsih and an intent to pay. Save your correspondence with them.

Publishers set the rates, so there usually isn't much negotiations. Either what they offer will be acceptable or not, but I wouldn't expect much from a low circulation mag, especially if it is a tabloid.

Photographer's Market and Writer's Market both have websites to which you can subscribe. It's not a bad deal, but I prefer the hard copies. Every reputable magazine I know of also publishes a "writer's and photographers guidelines," which outline submission prodeecures, publishing schedules and pay rates. You might try contacting this mag and simply ask for their guidelines.
--

In the end, the only things that matter are the people we help and the people we hurt. http://pa.photoshelter.com/user/ronkruger

Click to expand...

Thanks for your comments Larry. I guess I'll just wait and watch. If I don't hear from the mag in a couple of days, I'll call 'em up.

herebefore said:

I have, in the past, had a designer or publisher (or both) contact me in the same way this designer has contacted you...

I handle all contacts the same way:

No money/No honey.. PERIOD!

All real publishers know this, and a real "Designer" should know this if he/she has been in business for more that a minute and a half.

OTOH its your photo, and your money (or not).

Old age has made me cynical, but my observation is:

People will rob you whenever they can..

By sending your photo, you have given them an opportunity to rob you...

I would be surprised (but pleased) if you hear further from this guy.

I have even heard of a publisher telling a photographer he should be grateful that the magazine has chosen his photo, and thankful that they have chosen to cover the cost of putting the photo on the cover...

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

All over the world
Where ever you go
There, you are.

Click to expand...

I have been at this for a few years....and I have never had a publisher who would advance me payment prior to having images in hand. Usually payment is after publication...and that at times is months after you have handed the image/file/film to them...

With regard to not trusting them...in film days...they had a severe liability for loss or damage to submitted slides....but in all fairness...they had all the slides and could have duplicated/scanned/copied them etc. the originals, many times prior to using or returning them, even the ones they did not end up using...so the idea that when they have the file they can cheat you and steal your work as being more dangerous today due to digital, than it was in the past is ludicrous.

Sure there are more people posing as publishers today..and they may not have the resources to make payment when the time comes to do so....but by and large if you are dealing with a reputable publisher....a known one with a track record and products on the shelf....they are not going to steal from you at all...so not sending the files to them will just keep you from getting the jobs.

However....sending them to an independent contractor who does design work for them...without a contract and commitment from the publisher .....that might be stupid.... make sure you send the files to the publisher ....not their hired non employee help. Who is to say that the designer isn't going to take a big cut on the fee....after all they found you, and modified the image to fit the needs of the publisher...and sold it to them. Maybe the designer deserves a cut for that...but you want it all to be on the table...not under it. Deal directly with the publisher at all times.
--
Richard Katris aka Chanan

SAGE ADVICE
--
ABA DABA

I've done so.

Now "pro" photogs - flame on!

Thanks everyone for your advice. Richard, thanks for your pointers. I'll keep them in mind, the next time this happens, for this time though I'll just have to wait and watch.!

Richard Katris said:

I have been at this for a few years....and I have never had a publisher who would advance me payment prior to having images in hand. Usually payment is after publication...and that at times is months after you have handed the image/file/film to them...

With regard to not trusting them...in film days...they had a severe liability for loss or damage to submitted slides....but in all fairness...they had all the slides and could have duplicated/scanned/copied them etc. the originals, many times prior to using or returning them, even the ones they did not end up using...so the idea that when they have the file they can cheat you and steal your work as being more dangerous today due to digital, than it was in the past is ludicrous.

Click to expand...

The only way I would consider it more dangerous today than in the past is:

The digital "world" make it possible for a "Publisher" to appear to exist... Period.

The OP was approached by a designer, NOT the publisher..

Now if the "publisher" were to contact the Photographer, they could present their "Bona Fides", then the photographer can make a decision as to whether or not to proceed..

Without that contact, there is no way I would release a photo, or send a usable file.

Richard Katris said:

Sure there are more people posing as publishers today..and they may not have the resources to make payment when the time comes to do so....but by and large if you are dealing with a reputable publisher....a known one with a track record and products on the shelf....they are not going to steal from you at all...so not sending the files to them will just keep you from getting the jobs.

Click to expand...

There was nothing in the OPs posting that mentioned a "known reputable publisher".. Those three words put the entire thing in a different light.

Richard Katris said:

However....sending them to an independent contractor who does design work for them...without a contract and commitment from the publisher .....that might be stupid.... make sure you send the files to the publisher ....not their hired non employee help. Who is to say that the designer isn't going to take a big cut on the fee....after all they found you, and modified the image to fit the needs of the publisher...and sold it to them. Maybe the designer deserves a cut for that...but you want it all to be on the table...not under it. Deal directly with the publisher at all times.
--
Richard Katris aka Chanan

Click to expand...

I have had a "known reputable publisher" contact me for photos, and they got my undivided attention (and my photo) forthwith.. because I know they will pay... BUT if Im contacted by someone I never heard of without the presentation of bona-fides, they will simply get a request from me for further information.

--
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Connecticut

All over the world
Where ever you go
There, you are.

If the publication is local, you will have to accept market rates. If national, then you can expect a bit higher. It all depends on how many copies will be distributed.

Ray9110 said:

Hi All,

What should be a reasonable charge for having a magazine print one of my pictures on the cover page of a magazine - and is there anything I should be aware of / keep in mind?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Regards,
Ray

Click to expand...

This book is an educational resource, I have used it in the past.
http://www.amazon.com/2011-Photographers-Market-Burzlaff-Bostic/dp/1582979561
to sell photos. Learn as much as you can.
--

28 years as a freelancer,(news,magazine, wedding photography) camera equip. over the years: Practica MLT, Canon A1, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Dimage Z1,Fuji 5200,Canon S2,Pentax K100D,Olympus 380,Canon SX 10 ( http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Buckl/ )
http://issuu.com/Lbuck

Thanks!

lbuclk= said:

Ray9110 said:

Hi All,

What should be a reasonable charge for having a magazine print one of my pictures on the cover page of a magazine - and is there anything I should be aware of / keep in mind?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Regards,
Ray

Click to expand...

This book is an educational resource, I have used it in the past.
http://www.amazon.com/2011-Photographers-Market-Burzlaff-Bostic/dp/1582979561
to sell photos. Learn as much as you can.
--

28 years as a freelancer,(news,magazine, wedding photography) camera equip. over the years: Practica MLT, Canon A1, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Dimage Z1,Fuji 5200,Canon S2,Pentax K100D,Olympus 380,Canon SX 10 ( http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Buckl/ )
http://issuu.com/Lbuck

Click to expand...

The mag (if professional) should already have a budget - it's not for you to set.

You should already have all legal documents in place - specific use license contract and release.

Sometimes that "by line" is worth more than the rate...depending on what it's for.

You don't have to give them full rez until there is a contract. It's their business to know (for instance) 300px @ 12x14 will print perfectly on their rag. If they just want to see "how it will look" - 1. They don't know what they are doing. 2. Then can use a temp 800px widest side JPG to do that.