United StatesChurch Concert Pricing?I asked a musician friend of mine if I could shoot at an upcoming church event he is adverting.I am doing this mostly for exposure. Thou I would like to make a little money also. There are going to be heavy weight professionals playing at the concert.
-Small local church
-No cover charge
How do I deal with "rights" either when I donate my service and/or charge each musician for the prints and/or files from the event?
Where do I go from here?
Please help...
So, you are going to this event unsolicited and are doing it mostly for the exposure? I think you have your answer there. If they wanted photographic coverage, I think they would have hired you or somebody else. If you are doing this to create portfolio pieces & to promote your business, I think donating a few prints to the musicians and the church would be appropriate. As far as the copyrights go, give a few prints away with the stipulation that you retain ALL rights. If you do a good job, they will want to purchase an image or two and that's where you make some money and sell limited rights.
My first few assignments as I moved into professional photography were church concerts. I did them for free under the stipulation that in every possible circumstance, my name was to be present with the images. They hit websites, blogs, and print publications. I can trace back a wedding, several portrait sessions, and a few corporate jobs (all paid) to two concerts I photographed for free.
This was, of course, a situation like yours where they had no budget for photography but offered exposure. I was early in my career, so it was appealing to me. It also paid off.
As far as rights, you own all images you have created unless there is a contract saying otherwise.
commented:
February 25, 2012
Chris Moncus
Professional