Thread: terms and ettiquette of using gig photos

So I had a wonderful wedding gig a couple of months ago. It was a very upscale catered event at a beautiful venue with a DJ, professonal photography team, and a bunch of beautiful very nice people. Basically, the perfect gig.

The photographer took some awesome pics of my show, and has already given me permission to use them on my website so long as I leave his logo on them.

My question is, how do I approach the bride and groom about using a couple of really great shots that have them featured as prominently as myself? What should I offer -- $$, discounts on future booking (and if so how much? 25%? 30%? 50%?). Are most people agreeable about these kind of things?

Here is my favorite pic. This is what people need to see on our website so that they can envision booking a dancer at their event:

Sorry, I have no helpful information. Just wanted to tell you what a great picture! You look amazing!

Great picture. I would just ask! Then maybe send a small gift as a thank-you if you feel so inclined. But I don't think most people mind that sort of thing. I want everyone to know how awesome my wedding florist, makeup artist, and hair stylist were, so I'd be happy to let them use some photos for their own purposes.

Getting the permission of the photographer to use the photo was probably the hardest part.

The couple looks like they are having fun. Ask 'em if they minded if you used the photos just like you asked the photographer.

You look to beautiful Sedonia! What a great photo! I would just ask too and send a thank you if they say yes. Offering a discount on a future gig seems generous, but if you feel good about it, I'm sure it would leave them warm feelings towards you.

<3

I wouldn't offer anything. I would just ask them. They probably won't care, after all they did hire you to dance at their wedding. They would probably be flattered. If they agree I'd send a thank you. Great pic by the way.

Yes, I just ask if they mind me using the picture on my website, and I've never had anyone turn me down yet.

That is one damned good picture.

I know that this doesn't help this time around but I put it in my contract. I ask if they agree to have someone take pictures at their event and if they do, do they give permission to use photos for promotion. Sometimes they yes, sometimes no but it works for me.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

I wouldn't offer anything. I would just ask them. They probably won't care, after all they did hire you to dance at their wedding. They would probably be flattered. If they agree I'd send a thank you. Great pic by the way.

Ditto to everything that Mahira said.

Follow up to this: I emailed the bride asking for her okay. She and hubby were fine with me using some of the photos(yay!), except the one I *really* wanted to use with all three of us dancing was one the husband didn't like and so they didn't want me to use that one (darn). But there is another photo of me with the bride and groom at their table that is almost as good.

That is great PR!