Images for a Blog

I've got my first opportunity to supply image(s) for a blog. While the company creating the blog isn't interested in paying for images, they will give me credit for my work on the blog. They mentioned including my "flickr" account on their blogroll, although I do not have a "flickr" account. No mention yet of any specific image.

Am new at this, so I am wondering if anyone has experienced this and could give me some advice/pointers/opinions as to what to do/expect?

Thank you.

Allen,

My experience had been that there is very little real value in trading images for "exposure". It's sad that even some photo magazines are trying to tempt photographers to give up their hard work for such a nebulous form of compensation that holds little to no real value.

I would only consider it if you are genuinely interested in helping them and have a personal stake in what they do. If this is not the case, my suggestion is to negotiate a rate that fairly represents the quality, effort, and fair market value of your images. A link and/or credit is not likely to result in any material benefit to you unless it is a very visible site by a very well known brand.

Guy

Guy-

Thank you for your advice.

I do not have any interest or personal stake in what they do. Just saw it as an opportunity but it didn't seem right to not be paid for it. Since this is my first opportunity, how to I figure a rate for a blog?

Thank you,

Allen, I suggest moving this post to the Photo Marketing forum for additional advice. I'll send you a separate private message with additional information.

Guy

I can't count the number of budding rock bands and politicians over the years that were going to make me "famous" if I would provide them with photographs...for free, of course. Guy is correct. Joe Rogers

I agree completely with Guy's comment. If you value your work then don't give it away for such dubious "payment" as "exposure."

I personally have no problem donating images to groups with limited resources and a cause I support, but I see no reason that photographers should be taken advantage of in this manner.

Thank you for your advice- appreciate it.

Thank you Guy. I'll move this to the Photo Marketing.

I've found that there is no shortage of folks who would like to use my images, but a distinct shortage of those who will pay for them. So I've set up a "virtual budget" of images I'll donate in a year, based on my retail sales price. It allows me to manage the number of donations, and gives me an excuse to say "No."

Charities I like get first call. But I've never, not once, had a sale that traced to use by a charity. I did a series of photos for thank you cards for a mid-sized environmental organization with full credit on the card. But it hasn't resulted in a single inquiry.

As for posting for exposure, unless the blog has very high traffic, you are buying very unit cost expensive advertising.

I like the "virtual budget" idea. Thank you for mentioning this. I've set aside so many prints for charities I like, but didn't think about it as it pertains to images/image use.

Allen