Image use requests

Occasionally I get a request for use of my images for various reasons. Three of the most recent images were for completely different reasons. This was over the past two/three months. I don't get them too often, well, in terms of requests per year.

The first was of Sierra's paws in a stream. (see right image)
The group who wanted to use it was for a non-profit book of poems and short stories. The proceeds were going to support a local SPCA.
Not only did I agree with enthusiasm, but I supplied a higher quality image than they were expecting. I love to help non-profits in this manner.

I even submitted an image of Sierra to the Lab Rescue group calendar. Not sure if it will be picked, but if it helps get a few more dollars in the donation box for a great group, I am more than happy.

The second image was for the use of Bono U2 image. (image on left)
I am usually happy to help folks as best as I can. Occasionally they find the image because they are in the background, or that it was a moment they recalled from the show.
In each case, I ask them if they are familiar with the African Well Fund. Once they are, I ask if they make a donation for getting a print made, it is up to them. I have no real way to find out if they donated, I suppose I could inquire,  but I am the trusting type. At least 75% of the time people disappear after me asking for that donation.  It is a little sad to think people just want a free hand out, instead of making a small donation for a great charity to get something they want.

The third and last image still makes me laugh. I was contacted by a magazine company owned by a MAJOR credit card company. They stated they had a very tight timeline and if I agreed to have my credit with the image, they would be happy to use it.
I replied with a very nice, "thank you, but I value my images more than to have a photo credit. If we can sort out a compensation for use, I'd be happy to help out."
Needless to say, I never heard back from that contact. I am all in favor of promoting my images, but not for free folks. You have crap loads of money to put that product out. I am sure they found someone else who was more than willing to give their product away for "free." Oh well.


Some random photo links I have found recently:

- Gizmodo: The ASCII Photobooth! Wow that is just so super fantastic I can't believe it hasn't been brought back yet for hipster weddings.

- Photography Blog- CameraImagesSensor.com- I wish I had more of a use for something like this.

- DIY Photography- How to Build A Beauty Dish- I still really want to do a project like this. And from the looks of things, I think it is highly doable. Just need to find the time and parts. Ha.

- LifeHacker- A Geek's Guide to Budgeting Hobbies- Yes, photography is a hobby. Some really good tips... now how to balance hobbies and being an active parent!

- LifeHacker- Know your rights!- Knowledge is indeed power, especially when people are paranoid as hell and just assume you are doing something wrong.

- LifeHacker- How to keep track of your media on-line- I've tried Tineye in the past, pretty much a pain to use and keep up on. The Google Alert bit is nice, assuming they credit you.