Other people asking to use images

[Weary of internet morons]

Just wondered what people think is a sensible response to a request I've received wherein the chap (who does have photos on the site that lead him to me, YouPic) has asked if he can use some of my photos as a basis for paintings. He does say they may sell, but hasn't offered any fee.

Given he doesn't seem to want to just use the pictures for advertising, magazine use etc. but as the basis for something that might end up very different, would you agree, and would you demand any credit etc.?

[GetCarter]

I've allowed my photos to be used as 'starting points' for several artists over the years. I have never charged.

Lots of people ask to use my images for various reasons. If it's 'not for profit' or charity, I usually give them away for free. If they intend to make money from my work, I charge - on a job by job basis.

[Weary of internet morons]

Thanks for the reply. I never intended to ask for payment, but in replying to say I'm ok with it I'd appreciate seeing a copy of any final work (just an email snapshot will do) and if he does sell, to credit the original photo in the communication he offers to his buyer, which I think is fair.

[Simpo Two]

This is The Oatmeal's take on it: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/exposure

[Weary of internet morons]

Ha, that's good. Maybe he'll sub me a hot dog?

[RobDickinson]

My general take is if someone is making then so should i. But Tbh unless they are a week known artist they are probably making far Less, or nothing. So Like Steve I usually let this go for free.

[ukaskew]

Weary of internet morons said:

Just wondered what people think is a sensible response to a request I've received wherein the chap (who does have photos on the site that lead him to me, YouPic) has asked if he can use some of my photos as a basis for paintings. He does say they may sell, but hasn't offered any fee.

Given he doesn't seem to want to just use the pictures for advertising, magazine use etc. but as the basis for something that might end up very different, would you agree, and would you demand any credit etc.?

I get these all the time through Flickr (literally, once per week minimum) and I don't even bother to respond any more. Years ago I would say 'yep, go ahead, but I would love to see the finished work'...I never had a single response.

Same with album covers for small bands, book covers and various other things, I only ever asked for a copy of the finished work, but I've only had them actually follow through twice, and both were charities (a canal trust and a cycling charity), even though I know the album ended up making it to shelves etc.

In my experience how you respond makes little difference to the outcome unless it's a big company you're dealing with, a business producing canvas pictures inquired once, without my permission they ended up selling them through eBay and I eventually gave up trying to get them taken down as it was near enough impossible to do so.

The exposure argument is always heated as there are usually two passionate sides to the argument. However, it can and does work, two years in a row images of mine from the Festival of Speed were picked up by manufacturers, my hands were tied anyway as I was only there as a member of the public and therefore couldn't really do anything with the images, but it led to some nice opportunities that simply would not have happened had I just flat out refused.

Edited by ukaskew on Tuesday 15th December 13:16

Edited by ukaskew on Tuesday 15th December 13:17

[Weary of internet morons]

I suspect, and hope, that YouPic has a smaller membership and that this isn't a regular mass target ploy, or from someone who does this all the time. I did reply in the affirmative and he was good enough to emil me back to say that he would indeed let me see any finished work and would credit the original photo. We'll see... maybe!

[nomad63]

Just as an add-on to what ukaskew has pointed out:

I knocked up a logo, in Photoshop, years ago, for an online motorcycle forum, to be used as a website heading, or similar, which it was...

Fast-forward a couple of years, when I`ve sold the bike in question, and therefore no longer frequent that particular forum, when I just happened to come across, online, the fact that someone, probably/possibly from that forum had been selling T-shirts via the usual channels (and still is) for quite a while, with "my" logo on it, and obviously profiting from it.

Yes, it does leave a nasty taste in your mouth not to have been offered anything in return for your original work, so yes, OP, be careful of what you let other people use your pics/work for, as it could well leave you feeling short-changed...literally !

[Weary of internet morons]

Thanks for that. I'll try to keep a look out, but I suppose if the chap isn't honest or fair i might never even find out!