Commissioned photography question re exclusivity

[Janner]

I've printed quite a few of my landscape photos for friends but only ever charged them the price of the printing. I recently decided to try to sell some of my photos so I started a fb page. I've been approached by a couple of galleries wishing to sell my photos (I'm very flattered). I also received a commission from a couple who have put a lot of love into their home but now have to sell it. The photo will be poster sized, framed and hung in their new home. I received the commission because the man saw my Crooked Window Photography facebook page. My question regarding the commission is: after I sell the couple the print, do I never try to re-sell it in a gallery e.g.? I imagine the couple will have an expectation of exclusivity. Or, do I give them the option of paying more for a "one of" print or less if I can display and re-sell the image? I don't now what the norm is as this is my first commission. So, is it normal to offer an exclusive price and a non-exclusive price.

[Marko]

My question regarding the commission is: after I sell the couple the print, do I never try to re-sell it in a gallery e.g.? I imagine the couple will have an expectation of exclusivity. Or, do I give them the option of paying more for a "one of" print or less if I can display and re-sell the image? I don't now what the norm is as this is my first commission. So, is it normal to offer an exclusive price and a non-exclusive price.

Hi Janner!

There is no normal anymore because everyone is selling their photography. In order to give you an opinion, I'd need to know the details of your commission (I mean if they paid you 5 grand I'd have a different opinion than if they paid you 2-3 hundred).... If nothing was signed or discussed then copyright stays with the photographer and u can do whatever u like as far as I know.

[Janner]

Hi Marko,

The commission came along because the man saw my facebook page and asked if I would come out and take a photo of his house for him to hang in his new home. He's a friend of a friend which makes a difference to me as I don't want to appear greedy but at the same time I want paid. I had to take the photo the day after the request (I was at my cottage on Manitoulin Island) as I was leaving the following day and it's a 7 hour drive from my home. I didn't discuss money at the time, because I honestly didn't know what to charge and wanted to do some research. I told him I'd send him an email of the image with pricing. I've put a lot of editing time into this as well as driving an hour to his location from my cottage and I'll have another hour drive to the printer. I think I'm going to charge him $100 for my time plus the cost of the print or canvas although that's not much in total. I've no idea if this is what he expects but for $100, I would want to be able to sell the image elsewhere but I'm not sure if this is something I should discuss with him. I wouldn't worry overly much except for the fact that one of the galleries who wants my photos is located in the small town he lives in on Manitoulin and the other is in the town he's moving to in Niagara. There's a fair chance he'll see the photo if I put it into one of those locations. I would certainly have to be aware of pricing as it would be terrible for him to see it cheaper elsewhere. I know I have the copyright but it's more a question of ethics if I advertise it for sale.

[Janner]

I decided to give the couple a price and if they choose to purchase the print, I won't sell it elsewhere as I think that's too tasteless, I'm happy with this decision.

[Marko]

It's not tasteless to get paid....

Seems you have made your decision but for 100. you have sold yourself way short imo.
If it were me, I'd simply tell the guy the photo came out so well that I'll be exhibiting it....he'll likely be flattered.
Just make sure to sell the image for the same or more than he paid for it, as selling it for a lower price in his neighborhood...that might be a bit tasteless.
Hope that may help.... and if you are able...we'd love to see the pic