So this was the first sunset I captured in 2012. It cost me $6,612 to take this photo.
$12 in gas to go from work to this spot and then home. The camera I took this with cost $2500. The lens was another $1600. The Singh Ray Reverse Neutral Density filter was $210. The Lee Wide-Angle Adapter and Foundation kit was another $200. The Slik Tripod was another $130. The shutter-release was another $60. When I got home, I uploaded it to a computer that cost me $1200, and then I used Lightroom 3 which I got for $200. I then exported it and tinkered with it in Photoshop which costs about $500.
12+2500+1600+210+200+130+60+1200+200+500= $6,612
So if you’re a magazine, website, corporation, sports team, or advertiser who wishes to use this photo, please don’t come and ask to use it for free, or in exchange for credit or "exposure". You found my photo so obviously I have "exposure". You have an advertising budget, and this is what it's for. You obviously don't expect your writers to work for free, or your secretary, or your boss. No one is going to publish it for free. Just because the picture is digital doesn't mean it was free to make.
As someone mentioned, THIS single photo didn't cost me $6,612, but if you wanted to create it, from scratch, that is what is involved. So I consider it the replacement value if it's stolen, or how much my lawyer will send you a bill for if it's found being used without my permission.
If you give your photo away for “credit” then the best possible scenario for you is someone will see your photo, contact you, and ask if they could borrow one of your photos…. for credit. Try this... next time you're at dinner, tell your waiter you'll tell all your friends how good the service was if he gives you dinner for free.
It feels bad finding your photo stolen and being used without permission. But it feels worse when someone asks to use it for free.
PNetzer, Lucie M. Photography & other way holiday Maldives, Jill Clardy, Lana Isabella, and 669 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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goldnerivan 7 months ago | reply
Perfect image, perfect description!
Megha Wasal (MeGzZ) 5 months ago | reply
wow...wow....wow...:)
Glenn images 5 months ago | reply
That amount for theft if a settlement can be reached before the lawyers get involved, ten times it if the lawyers are in but ya have not gone to court yet,...after that it is all up to the court. standardize the asking rates for theft when it is discovered and folks may slowly get the message. Go ahead and ask for the freebie, but when they say No it means No. If you didnt ask, then dont be shocked when you get that email with invoice attached.
PHPhotostudio 2 weeks ago | reply
This is why I deleted my flickr library, companies used my images and after said they credited me. Well I tried that with the landlord of my studio and they didnt accept it demanding cash!