Website use of photos... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/06/2011 11:42:49 AM · #1

I have a request from a non-profit to use one of my photos on their website. They've offered to purchase it.

What do you folks do in such an instance? Do you give them a break as a non-profit? What's a fair price for such usage?

Also, do you insist on attribution, do you put a small "photo copyright" on the bottom of the photo or any such marker?

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

03/06/2011 11:48:30 AM · #2

If it's a cause you can get behind, consider donating it and writing it off. I think there's no right answer. Some non-profits are more non-profit than others. :) I'd also look at where they are going to use it. If it's part of their banner, then it seems a bit odd to have a little photo credit on it. If it's presented as a picture in a mock newspaper article (or something similar) then a credit would be quite natural.

Just my 0.02. I think you are smart enough to let your heart be your guide.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/06/2011 11:54:14 AM · #3

You could also work it out so that you donate it and get a receipt for what they would have paid to use on your taxes. Win/win situation for both if it's a cause you would normally give to anyway. If it's not something you'd normally feel comfortable donating to, you could always just ask them what they normally pay and accept it, which probably would be giving them a break.

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

03/06/2011 11:57:03 AM · #4

For non-profits, I don't ask for a fee. I do request attribution in the text somewhere, but do not insist on a copyright mark.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/06/2011 12:02:49 PM · #5

I think you've gotten good advice so far. If it's a non-profit I'd support, I usually give a significant "discount" in order to write off the different between that and the "regular" price. This avoids any conflict with the IRS over the value of your donation (otherwise you could donate a picture worth $10K, right?).

I'd suggest checking their website and see how they currently handle attribution/credit for other pictures used similarly, and see if you're OK with that.

Congratulations! Maybe post a link when this is all worked out ...

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/06/2011 12:25:01 PM · #6

I may go the donation (with receipt) route, but I've never sold one for a website yet...what's a fair price?

It's for their main home/landing page...it fits their theme.

Message edited by author 2011-03-06 12:26:57.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

03/06/2011 01:14:30 PM · #7

You can check at this stock photo price calculator.

ErikV

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

03/06/2011 01:28:20 PM · #8

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Some non-profits are more non-profit than others. :)

There is a not-for-profit health care system in the town I live which in their 2009 annual report lists assets of $8.1 billion dollars, total operating revenues of $5.6 billion, and operating income (the equivalent of profits in the not-for-profit world) of $359 million. So you might want to look a bit into the finances of the organization you are dealing with and consider that when you set your price.

It may very well be that your non-profit is just a tiny organization with a tiny budget and no operating income -- in which case I would applaud your generosity if you plan to donate.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/06/2011 01:54:14 PM · #9

Originally posted by Kelli:

You could also work it out so that you donate it and get a receipt for what they would have paid to use on your taxes.

No you cannot... Anyone wanting to claim deductions for this type of stuff needs to look at the tax code or get an accountant. You can basically claim your costs ONLY.

03/06/2011 01:54:26 PM · #10

The stock price calculator didn't have web sites. I think I'll set the price to $200, for 1 website. And offer to donate it for a receipt for that if they are a 501c.

Sound fair?

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/06/2011 01:55:07 PM · #11

Originally posted by robs:

Originally posted by Kelli:
You could also work it out so that you donate it and get a receipt for what they would have paid to use on your taxes.

No you cannot... Anyone wanting to claim deductions for this type of stuff needs to look at the tax code or get an accountant. You can basically claim your costs ONLY.

Oh, I guess I should talk to my accountant then!

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

03/06/2011 02:08:37 PM · #12

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Originally posted by robs:

Originally posted by Kelli:
You could also work it out so that you donate it and get a receipt for what they would have paid to use on your taxes.

No you cannot... Anyone wanting to claim deductions for this type of stuff needs to look at the tax code or get an accountant. You can basically claim your costs ONLY.

Oh, I guess I should talk to my accountant then!

AFAIK, this only applies to donations to museums, but if so they know the ways around this. You make the sale, then donate the "money" back to the charity. But yes, talk to your accountant to be sure.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/06/2011 02:20:26 PM · #13

should you work for free? if you think so, definitely talk to your accountant.

also, i believe this calculator includes web pricing.

you can also ask them what they normally pay...

good luck!