Comments on: Photo royalty rate?

Question: Photo royalty rate?

Il Furioso — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 09:03:17 -0800

What is a fair percentage to charge for royalties for the use of my photographs?

One or more of my photographs is going to be used by a small, new independent business, on t-shirts, tote bags, etc. I've been told that between .5% to 3% is standard, but I have no way of knowing the accuracy of this. It's in North Carolina, if the state matters.

By: trbrts

trbrts — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:10:04 -0800

I would generally make them pay an upfront fee for rights and then add the 3% royalty. I've never gotten royalties from my photos but, 3% is a pretty standard percentage. Also be sure to iron out the terms in which they will pay you. Yearly, quarterly, monthly, whatever. Be sure to have everything detailed in a contract.

By: filmgoerjuan

filmgoerjuan — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:11:23 -0800

This previous AskMeFi thread might be helpful.

By: Hankins

Hankins — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 10:57:07 -0800

This previous AskMeFi thread might be helpful as well.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 04:20:36 -0800

Use FotoQuote. It will help to know what kind of run you'll anticipate (number of products produced). The percentages you give are fairly accurate for someone just starting out; the more famous and big-time you are, the more you can ask for (someone like LaChapelle could probably ask for, and get, 20%).