So for the first time we are intentionally marketing ourselves to clients that will want more than just the personal usage rights to our images.
I know things from publications to commercial advertising have very different ways that the image can be licensed for use, but I have to admit, I'm a little fuzzy on the specifics.

For this particular instance, the client wants x# of images, and they have said they want to buy the image outright--unlimited use--and since they would own the image I could not use it in my portfolio. Ok, that's fine, but I don't really know what specifically to call it (full image rights?) or how to put it in my proposal or contracts.
And, if they buy the image like that, do they still have to credit me as the photographer?

Could we start a discussion of various common usage rights--and the pros and cons of each?
Or, can anyone point me to a good resource?

Thanks!

I'm sorry I'm no help, but I look forward to seeing the answers. I've been wondering a lot of the same things.

You wouldn't be selling usage rights. You would be selling the copyright in this instance. And no, once the copyright is no longer yours, they don't have to give credit. Ever see the "file photo" credit in a dated newspaper picture?

Thanks Shane,

So is it pretty common to just sell the copyright?

It's common for image buyers to want to purchase the Copyright, and often for too little money. I would never sell my Copyright to an image unless the price was substantial. Many image buyers don't really need to own the image, and many smart photographers are able to effectively negotiate usage rights based on the clients real needs.

If you sell your Copyright, you no longer own the image, and have no legal right to use the image at all.

I strongly recommend you research in this area. Their are good books that go in depth about image rights and negotiations. The ASMP and APA are excellent resources.

I am no expert by any means but I would recommend you getting the book Best business practices for photographers by John Harrington. He address some of the types of things you are asking about and gives you a lot to think about.
Personally I would not sell the copyright to a photo (well maybe but you would have to be talking 10's of thousands of dollars or more.)

Do some serious research into this, talk to commercial shooters and learn how they address those issues.

Good luck.

They may want exclusive rights - but at what cost?

If I were you, I would have a contract written up for this job (or jobs) and have it specify what rights you have, and what rights they have.

Make sure you are getting compensated enough to make this all worth it.

thanks guys... I appreciate the input.
lots to think about. I'll look up those books and resources and give it some more thought.

You need to ask yourself how valuable this client is to hand over rights of your images forever. Joe Buissink sold his copyrights to his celebrity clients, but after a certain period, they reverted back to him. You want to get yourself an experienced copyright attorney.

Rights Managed - You are in control of when, and how often your image is used.

Royalty Free - They basically purchase the image once, and use it how every many times, and in as many places as they want.

Personally, RM is the best way to go IMO.

If they want the copyrights to the photograph, thats another story, and they better hand over at least 6 figures...and thats no exaggeration. Handing over copyrights is a BIG deal.

Find out how they want to use the image, how often, in how many countries, in what countries, 1/2 page, 1/4 page, front cover, back cover...the price is all different.

This may help.

http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

Good luck.