I have been approached by getty images through a well known photo uploading site, interested in one of my project365 photos. Has anybody done this and how does it work. I started the process of entering all my details up till the part they needed bank details, at which point I stopped.
Am I being too cautious or is it too good an opportunity to miss???
what do they want your info for? Are they are printing company? I've never heard of them, but no you are not being to cautious. If you don't know- don't do!! Maybe someone with more experience knows this company and can point you in the right direction here.
There a stock company, they are meant to pay you a royalty if anyone uses your photo, but I just don't know enough about it. So I think I'll agree with you... don't know-don't do! Thanks for your reply.
Getty is a reputable organization with top-notch photos, so congratulations on having one of your photos picked out by them.
I'm not sure why they would need your banking info. I would just ask and tell them you're uncomfortable with and/or would rather not give out that information. You can't be the first one that has some concerns about this. They might have some other solution for paying your royalties, if that's what it's for.
If you were approached by Getty Images, you must of had a really good picture, because they are the top of the stock photo company's, the king, the best and most prestigious. Usually only except photos from full out big time professionals. If you look at all the websites and articles all over the internet with pictures on them like yahoo's little news blcks, usually somewhere in the corner of the picture it will either say AP (associated press) or Getty Images, rarely won't. So if you were approached by them I'd go for it.
In 1995, Mark Getty and Jonathan Klein founded Getty Images to bring the fragmented stock photography business into the digital age. And that's exactly what they did. We were the first company to license imagery online - and have continued to drive the industry forward with breakthrough licensing models, digital media management tools and a comprehensive offering of creative and editorial imagery, microstock, footage and music.
From multi-million-dollar advertisers to leading newspapers, feature film and television producers to bloggers of all kinds - for premium digital content, the world's most influential media look to gettyimages.com.
I would say, if they're interested in your images, go for it - but don't expect to be able to negotiate with them on fees, I suspect you'll get what they say (though of course I could be wrong).
Thank you all so much for your responses. Im not concerned with what amount I would be paid from royaltys but more with the fact, would they EVER take your money? I'm not too clear on this.
Caroline, you mention you were contacted by them through a photo uploading site. If you received an email from them use your mail program to view the whole header, this should give you some idea if it is really from Getty Images. I doubt they'd have employees using yahoo or google email accounts.
I would also use some other means, phone or a link directly on the Getty website, to contact them and make sure they are interested in you and have contacted you.
I would never give out my bank information to anyone in a situation like this. Royalties are sometimes paid this way, but much more often by check. I'm sure they have the check option available and you could choose that until you became familiar with dealing with their company.
If it's through Flickr, Getty does have an agreement with them and it isn't uncommon for them to come across images and then request to license them. I'd still be wary before giving any info out, but if it's through Flickr it should be real.
That being said, expect to be ripped off. I think if you license an image to Getty through Flickr you only receive something like 15-20%. I was reading on some other photo sites where Getty might sell your image for $500 and only give you $100.
If your taking it as something is better than nothing, that's one thing. But if you also value your work and have images that are good enough to be sought out by Getty it may be worth thinking twice about. Just some food for thought.
Getty Images is located in Seattle, and was (still is I think) the biggest stock/licensing photo agency in the business. So that part is great --
But I would make sure it is Getty and not phish-hackers in some developing country, trying to ferret out your bank information. Don't fill it in until you talk to one of Getty's Photo Editors on the phone and see contract on official letterhead and so on: make sure it's on the up & up. If it is and they think your work is good, they would probably like to see more of your portfolio!
Thanks Jeremy and Bonnie for replying. It was through Flickr I got the invite so it would seem that's above board, but I will definitely give Getty a ring, which would put my mind at rest.
Providing them with banking information to allow them to direct deposit fees does not give them the reciprocal ability to withdraw money. They probably deal with the disbursement of fees on a large scale, and it is much easier for them to set it up this way than to issue paperchecks . . . you may be able to set up a PayPal Account to receive electronic payments if that makes you feel more comfortable. Anyone you write a check to has all your banking information for the most part anyway, though . . .
I would be interested in knowing which photo they chose because I find EVERY ONE of your photos intriguing!!!! Such an interesting concept that I never would have considered!!! I applaud you for your creativity. Not sure about the protocol on giving your financial info but you definitely deserve to be compensated!! VERY GOOD INDEED!! :)
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I'm not sure why they would need your banking info. I would just ask and tell them you're uncomfortable with and/or would rather not give out that information. You can't be the first one that has some concerns about this. They might have some other solution for paying your royalties, if that's what it's for.
In 1995, Mark Getty and Jonathan Klein founded Getty Images to bring the fragmented stock photography business into the digital age. And that's exactly what they did. We were the first company to license imagery online - and have continued to drive the industry forward with breakthrough licensing models, digital media management tools and a comprehensive offering of creative and editorial imagery, microstock, footage and music.
From multi-million-dollar advertisers to leading newspapers, feature film and television producers to bloggers of all kinds - for premium digital content, the world's most influential media look to gettyimages.com.
I would say, if they're interested in your images, go for it - but don't expect to be able to negotiate with them on fees, I suspect you'll get what they say (though of course I could be wrong).
I would also use some other means, phone or a link directly on the Getty website, to contact them and make sure they are interested in you and have contacted you.
I would never give out my bank information to anyone in a situation like this. Royalties are sometimes paid this way, but much more often by check. I'm sure they have the check option available and you could choose that until you became familiar with dealing with their company.
Good luck, be smart!
That being said, expect to be ripped off. I think if you license an image to Getty through Flickr you only receive something like 15-20%. I was reading on some other photo sites where Getty might sell your image for $500 and only give you $100.
If your taking it as something is better than nothing, that's one thing. But if you also value your work and have images that are good enough to be sought out by Getty it may be worth thinking twice about. Just some food for thought.
But I would make sure it is Getty and not phish-hackers in some developing country, trying to ferret out your bank information. Don't fill it in until you talk to one of Getty's Photo Editors on the phone and see contract on official letterhead and so on: make sure it's on the up & up. If it is and they think your work is good, they would probably like to see more of your portfolio!
thanks for your reply. Paypal was set up in the enrollement process.
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thank you for your lovely comment, it was 12 January Cuts and bruises they invited....surprisingly lol.