In the last few months I've had people asking for permission to use my photographs. They seem to want the photos for free and then to use them to advertise or sell something. In one case, when I asked for free tickets in return for use of my photo's (instead of cash) , strangely they managed to find other photo's to use.

The latest one is asking to apply a photo on some products. After giving them the option to pay a sum of money for a limited licence or perhaps to work on a commission basis, they said "we are a small company and usually people on Flickr are happy to grant permission because they are thrilled about being asked". Is it me or are people allowing companies to make money off the back of your hard work and expensive equipment while expecting to offer you nothing.

How far would I get with Tesco or with any other company asking for free goods plus the permission to resell it for profit?. Answer, nowhere..

After speaking to Michael at RammellPhotography.com (@Rammellphoto on twitter), he suggested that I should ask them for use of their car at weekend's as a taxi. I wonder what the answer would be??..

I'm not asking for much in a world full of free photo content, but stop selling yourself short and ask for a fare price. Your not going to lose out , because they were going to give you nothing anyway.

Happy Shooting...