Times, they are a-changing
The Times has laid down new guidelines for photographers shooting for its weekend magazine, and the limit on fees that photographers will get for post-production work is already causing concern. The guidelines have been sent out to contributors to The Times Magazine (published on Saturdays) following plans to move over to a fully digital workflow. BJP has seen a letter that states: 'Film printing and processing costs have escalated over recent years and to remain competitive in this industry we need to consider unnecessary expenditure. 'In line with other magazines our photography is moving towards a digital operation. The Times is upgrading equipment to facilitate this operation and hopes this transition will go as smoothly as possible over coming weeks. 'Many photographers have, through necessity, already moved towards a digital operation as many magazines are now insisting on it. We realise some are holding back but this changeover is inevitable'. The letter goes on to stipulate the specifications of the digital files to be sent to the titles' picture editors. However, says Anoushka Healy from The Times, the magazine is not ruling out using work captured on film, although this has become a rarity. 'The majority of our photography work is now digital. There may well be occasions where for technical reasons we would use film, but this will be the exception rather than the rule, and all relating costs, will be discussed and agreed in advance of the assignment.' It is, however, the fee being offered to photographers to cover post-production costs that has some contributors concerned. While the daily rate being offered has not changed, the guidelines state that the magazine will offer a maximum of £100 to cover post-production work. It adds: 'Only in some specifically negotiated cases will this additional fee vary. Some assignments will clearly not need a lot of post-production and a lower fee will apply. Any additional retouching required will be done in house ... The level of post-production and the use of additional assistants, lighting and equipment hire must be agreed in advance of the shoot.' Healy argues that the guidelines have been set after a long period of consultation and are industry-standard. She concluded: 'We want to pioneer a new way of working with photographers in the digital age, which has brought lots of new opportunities as well as faster and more efficient ways of working. We have set these rates after consultation with picture editors and photographers and we believe that they take into account the demands on today's photographers. published by: |