Schmap Guides

[giantwolf]

Just had an email saying one of my Flickr photos has been shortlisted for their Rome guide. Would have been my first publish if it had been accepted but I said no. I can take pleasure in knowing they wanted it without giving them the opportunity to do with it what they want for FREE.

Personally I don't even think its that great a pic. Have I done the right thing or just shot myself in the foot?

This is the pic in question:

 

[Photo Plod]

I've had one of my photos in a Schmap guide. It's no biggie - the one they actually chose, I gave away at a "photo swap shop" event at the V&A anyway!

It was a second-rate picture of some skulls in the Paris catacombs. When it was put in the guide (fully credited, mind you, with link back to Flickr), it was in a stream with about 100 other images of the catacombs, so your image will most likely be one of many anyway.

Schmap make freebie guides and make money through sponsorship and advertising. I don't think you've shot yourself in the foot by ignoring them - since the exposure you get from it is likely to be very small, and most people are interested in the guides (not the photographers) - but equally I didn't feel cheated by them when they used my picture.

 

[ColinB147]

So that's how publications are sourcing their pictures nowadays :bang:

I can't say whether you did the right thing or not (don't worry, plenty others will) but it's a great pic, particularly for a guide/magazine as there's plenty of space for text.

 

[Photo Plod]

Believe me, Colin, if it was Lonely Planet or Rough Guides knocking on my door for an amazing travel shot (the likes of which I have never shot!), then "credit only" would not be an option!

 

[MarkydeSad]

It's a good idea to let some of your stuff go for free

You never know, someone might like what they see and commission further work from you

An agency wanted one of my songs (Barmy Army) to publicise O'Neill clothing. I took the high moral ground and refused unless I was paid. Worst decision I ever made

 

[SmileyShazza]

I had a request from Schmap through Flickr saying they had shortlisted one of my images and asking if I would allow them to use it in one of their guides. It was of Nostell Priory in Wakefield which is where two of my friends were meant to be getting married.

I said yes as I was quite happy for them to use it as I am only an amateur and didn't think that particular image was that fantastic. In a way I was more pleased that I had actually been approached by someone who was considering publishing an image of mine as I've only been using my SLR since February and it gave me a bit of a confidence boost.

I put a thread up in a local Flickr group I use saying that they'd approached me and how they had said they wouldn't pay but would credit me and it sparked a massive debate with some people saying that I was letting myself get exploited because I'd agreed to them possibly using my image.

Obviously it is up to the individual but as someone who is new to photography with lots to learn I am quite happy to let one of my images go out and be used in something. Maybe in a few years I'll be at a stage where I feel differently though!