What should I expect from a photographer?

[5UB]

Hello, I am a student at university. I am a performer/magician.

I am wanting some photos of me/magic. I have 2 friends which have taken a photography module and they both own their own decent cameras.

They are not digital, but I said that I will pay for the film. We will be going snapping in a few months.

I need some ideas, what sort of shots would be interesting? If this doesn't work out I will be paying for a photographer, but I do not want the whole watermark on the photos. I want to own the right, so I can use these photos how I want.

I just really need overall advice really, I am not a photographer myself so I am stuck in the middle

[Arkady]

Generally speaking, although the photographer will retain copyright title to the photographs he takes, you as the client will be given sole world wide publishing rights and limited re-sale rights as part of the contract between you. Of course you should be able to negociate any kind of rights issue you like as part of the contract, but in reality, unless the photographs have wide commercial appeal, then the standard contract form is likely to be your only option. As for watermarks, they will not be applied to any image materials you get from the photographer unless you ask for it.

[5UB]

Thank you, so if I hired a professional photographer, I should just have the photo with no name on it? Which means the photo can be edited for websites/media/images etc?

Sorry I have no clue lol.

[Arkady]

Assuming that the photographer aquires on film, you can ask for copy negs/trans, prints or scans none of which will have any watermarks or over-riders.

[brokendalek]

I seem to have come too late on this thread - Arkady, you have reflexes of steel for this time on a Saturday evening

[Arkady]

Ah well; I'm in the middle of rural France, the nearest bar is 15 clicks away and there's northing on telly.

[5UB]

Thanks everyone.