YouTube 2024: A guide to Image Licensing for Photographers in 2024

I’m glad you came over here to check out my blog post about my recent YouTube video titled 'A Guide to Image Licensing for Photographers in 2024'.

It’s important that you review this blog post because it coincides with the information that I teach in my most recent YouTube video, this is an incredibly nuanced topic (drink every time I say nuanced) and more importantly, than using the AOP calculator, it’s that you take away those important questions that you need to direct at your client or the brand, your licensing, the image to.

Key Questions to ask your client, the brand or organization that is inquiring to license your image(s)…

What is your organization's budget to license this image? Do you have a budget in mind to license this image?

What's my standard day rate?
(ask this to yourself, not your client, the resources you put in to create that image)

How will the image be used? on the AOP Calculator 'Set Media'

(social media, website, on packaging, on print materials, billboards, electronic billboards, flyers, etc.)

What is the duration of usage? Also, known as time period for use, or on the AOP Calculator 'Set Period'

Where will the image be distributed or what territories will the image be distributed or displayed in? on the AOP Calculator 'Territory'

Lastly, is the brand/client trying to license the image in perpetuity or are they giving you the ability to retain the final copyright behind the image? (Be very careful with these situations, if they wish to buy you out of the copyright, upsell that image…)

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Asking these questions will show your potential client or brand that you mean business, and that you have a general understanding of how much revenue they can generate from licensing one of your images. So aside from me, showing you how to use the AOP calculator, it’s really important that you learn the proper questions to ask during your initial image licensing conversation with your client, whether that is over email, or a brief phone call.

“Huge disclaimer… ”

All brands and companies have different budgets so while you may not get exactly what the AOP calculator spits out, it is a good way to calculate a range before deciding what number to put in front of your client. On top of that, be sure to take time to research the brand, talk to fellow, photographers, reach out to me, and do your homework before spitting out a random number. Image licensing can be big business for commercial or stock photographers, it’s so important that you stick to your guns and don’t let a brand or client take advantage of you. Your photography is worth good money, and it’s important. You understand the value behind your work, especially if it is being used, monetized, and helping a larger brand, client or organization sell their services or products. I hope you found this YouTube video helpful, feel free to send me a DM drop a comment below this blog post or below my video and I’d be happy to help you out. I also offer 1 on 1 creative coaching sessions if you’d like to take an hour and learn from me and my experience, licensing images, and working as a commercial photographer. Click the previous link or Navigate to ‘Coaching’ to schedule a time to link up and chat about how we can make your freelance business grow and thrive in 2024!