Expert: Wedding Photographics - 12/20/2006

Question
I'm fairly new at publishing and perhaps you can help. A journal wants to publish one of my pictures and asks to "Please assign first reprint rights?"

What exactly are they asking for? I'd truly appreciate any information.

Answer
Hi Jim,
Several times a year I'm contacted by various electronic and paper publishers about using photographs from my website in their publications.  First reprint rights would simply give the journal your permission to use your photograph one time in their journal.  Depending upon the circulation of the publication, the readership etc., you may require a fee for their use of your photograph or at least a credit line.  Either way, you should probably use a written form for granting limited license of your copyrighted works to others.  A written form (contract) can also define certain terms or expressions to make sure you and the other party are speaking the same language and both fully understand exactly the license you would be granting to the contracting party. As a wedding photographer instead of a stock or illustration photographer, I don't mind granting permission to use my images for a simple credit line.  On the internet, I prefer a link from my photograph back to my own website.  I hope this information helps.