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Prospective Photographers

Prospective photographers

Thank you for your interest in having your photography represented by Lonely Planet Images. We are always looking to represent new, high quality travel images from Professional Travel Photographers who have an established collection of images and are able to make regular submissions of no less than 500 tightly edited images per quarter. This document contains information about the library and submission guidelines.

The Library

Established in 1998, Lonely Planet Images is an on-line photo agency and stock library with a unique and comprehensive collection of over 300,000 downloadable travel images. All images accepted by Lonely Planet Images are made available to photo buyers worldwide through our website for searching, layout and licensing. We accept submissions of images captured on 10 mega pixel or higher digital SLR cameras.

Image content

Travel photography is rich in subject matter and we want our image collection to be comprehensive and unique. We are looking for travel pictures that capture the diversity of all the world’s countries from the major tourist attractions to everyday scenes, from remote landscapes to the interiors of homes, from popular destinations to little known places off the beaten track. Festivals, food, flora, wildlife, transport, communications, art, architecture, portraits and landscapes are just some of the many subjects we are looking for.

Additionally, we require concept and stylistic imagery that presents travel in a less literal way such as: new views of familiar subjects, stylistic images that convey emotion through movement, colour and shape and photographs of travellers on the road participating in the travel experience.

Exclusivity

Lonely Planet Images will only licence images to third parties that it represents exclusively. Exclusivity is required to guarantee clients that the same or similar image will not be licensed for use by competing clients. Granting exclusive representation rights to LPI has several benefits including: increasing the potential value of an image, creating a distinction between quality library stock and royalty-free stock, giving clients confidence in the originality of images and setting high standards that will be respected by clients. Although the images are represented exclusively, photographers may reproduce their own images on their own website, in exhibitions (including print sales from such exhibitions), self-promotion, or publications that feature the photographer and their work.

Partners

Lonely Planet Images has distribution agreements with Getty Images, All Posters and territory based partners in The Americas, Europe and Asia further increasing the exposure and licensing potential of selected photographs.

Agreement period

As the on-line library requires a major investment in equipment and time, we require a commitment to represent selected images for a minimum of 5 years.

Licensing fees and payment

Photographers receive 40% of image licensing fees. Payments are made quarterly.

Model release

If you want your photos to be available for commercial uses, you will need to get the consent of any people you photograph. Please use the following model release form:

By signing this document:

I irrevocably consent to the Photographer (and its licensees and assigns) incorporating my image or likeness in photographs or illustrations in any form or media (images) and reproducing, publishing and communicating the Images in any form and media for any purpose, whether commercial or otherwise (including advertising), and to the use of my name and any other text or works in connection with the Images. I waive any right to inspect or approve the Images or any publication incorporating the Images and any right to compensation for the use of the Images by the Photographer, its licensees and assigns. I release the Photographer, its licensees and assigns from any or all claims, actions, proceedings, demands and expenses and other liability that may arise in connection with the use of the Images by any person. I confirm that I am either over 18 years of age or that my parent or guardian has also agreed to these terms by signing in the space provided below.

I understand and agree to the above.

Print Name:

Signed:

Print name:

Signed by parent/guardian:

Address/email/phone number:

Date:

Description of image:

Property release

If you want your photos of private property to be available for commercial uses, you will need to get the consent of the property owners. Please use the following property release form

By signing this document:

I irrevocably consent to the Photographer (and its licensees and assigns) incorporating an image or likeness of the property described below in photographs or illustrations in any form or media (images) and reproducing, publishing and communicating the Images in any form and media for any purpose, whether commercial or otherwise(including advertising). I waive any right to inspect or approve the Images or any publication incorporating the Images and any right to compensation for the use of the Images by the Photographer, its licensees and assigns. I release the Photographer, its licensees and assigns from any or all claims, actions, proceedings, demands and expenses and other liability that may arise in connection with the use of the Images by any person. I warrant that I am the owner of the property and/or am fully authorised to enter this property release.

Signed:

Print Name:

Address/email/phone number:

Date:

Property description:

Property address:

Description of image:

Sending a Submission for Consideration

Submissions for consideration are accepted by mail only. In order for our photo editors to accurately assess your work a first submission must consist of a minimum of 500 low res jpeg files (72 dpi) on CD/DVD that represent the range of your collection’s geographic and content coverage. Place images from each country in a separate folder.

We would also like to know a little about you, so please include answers to the following questionnaire with your image submission.

Questionnaire:

  • Name
  • Business Name
  • Address
  • City
  • Telephone
  • Email
  • Website
  • How long have you been a professional photographer?
  • Please give us an overview of your collection (countries & subjects)
  • Do you specialise in any particular subjects?
  • What is the approximate number of images that would be available for exclusive representation by Lonely Planet Images?
  • What period (in years) does your collection cover?
  • Do you currently have stock with any other agencies? If so, which agencies?
  • To which countries do you intend to travel and photograph in the next 12 months?
  • List photographic experience, affiliations and relevant memberships (or attach CV)
  • How did you hear about Lonely Planet Images?

Contact and delivery details

Send CD/DVD of images, cover sheet and questionnaire to:
Lonely Planet Images
90 Maribyrnong Street
Footscray
VIC 3011
Australia

Tel: +61 3 8379 8181

Please note:

  • Images must be shot in RAW format using a 10 mega pixel or higher digital SLR camera.
  • All images submitted for review should be available for exclusive representation and therefore should not currently be represented by any other photo library or agency.
  • If we are interested in your work after reviewing your first submission of 500 images, you will be required to re-submit those images as high resolution tiff files for a technical assessment before a contract is offered.
  • We regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback if it is decided not to take your initial submission further.
  • CDs/DVDs will not be returned
Photographer taking a shotBear and photographerPhotographer taking a shot of a canyonPhotographer with camera equipment
50 Comments leave one →
  1. Raagamayi permalink
    December 1, 2010 5:04 am

    This page specifically talks about travel photography. Could you please direct me about how to upload photos for the themed collections?

    • December 9, 2010 4:53 am

      Hi Raagamayi, have a look at our prospective photographers page!

      • Loïc permalink
        December 21, 2010 3:14 pm

        Hello

        Same comment…:) Despite having look to the prospective photographers page, I cannot find the link to upload my photos…

        Could you please share it with us ?

        Thanks !

        Loïc

  2. December 8, 2010 10:18 am

    I really interested in joying this opportunity….
    what should I do??

  3. December 8, 2010 1:16 pm

    Unfortunately my photos are stored in JPG format, I wonder if I can submit them for evaluation anyway, and if approved, future files will be sent in Raw format
    Thanks
    Gerson Martins
    Brazil

    • December 9, 2010 4:52 am

      Hi Gerson,
      You are welcome to submit in JPEG format – all initial submissions are made with JGPEGs only. Once you pass this submission process, then we can chat again about formats.
      Hope this helps!
      Cheers
      LPI

  4. Mag permalink
    December 15, 2010 6:00 am

    Hi. You mention you accept photos from Professional Travel Photographers. What about amateur photographers? Would you consider someone not already earning their living off travel photography if the photos were really good? Thanks

  5. Loïc permalink
    December 21, 2010 2:30 pm

    Hi,

    Is 500 pictures a minimum for submission ?
    I would have rouglhy around 100 pictures with a real opportunity, probably not 500…Is it that critical ?
    Thanks for your reply !

    Loïc (France)

    • December 22, 2010 12:33 pm

      Hi Loïc,

      You can’t find the link because we don’t have one. You’ll need to go old-school and post your images to us – burn them to disc and send them on over. Good luck! LPI

  6. Burro (Norway) permalink
    January 5, 2011 10:11 pm

    I think that I need some more info from you.
    1) You want tiff files. 8 or 16 bits?? sRGB or AdobeRGB ?
    2) ‘Low res’ files (72 dpi) are ‘virtual’ information for prints. The size of the file is the same as 300 dpi. (resolution/size/quality is the same) so why bother include this ‘nonsense’ information??

    • January 18, 2011 2:07 am

      Hey Burro,

      Lo-res means the image size is small, so if the images are resized to say, 6″ x 4″ at 72dpi I think that would be fine.

  7. January 28, 2011 2:26 pm

    Hello,
    I believe that something happened to my cd. I mail it on Dez/16 and I do have a code to track it down the pack, but on the website says it that is still “on transit”. Is that normal to spend so much time?
    I know that you guys do express that you are unable to provide individual feedback, but, I really woud like to know if, at least, you get the pack.
    Thanks!
    Gerson Martins

  8. Suyash permalink
    February 3, 2011 4:15 am

    Hi,

    One can only submit the pictures of Digital SLR only. Or images from other advanced camera with 10megapixel can also be submitted for trial?

    Regards,
    Suyash

  9. March 3, 2011 1:20 am

    Is it the same link for amateur photographers?

  10. April 6, 2011 12:31 am

    1/ Could you please give me an idea of the prices i could expect to get paid for my work.
    2/A lot of photos i have taken in India were taken in the field or on the street and it’s just not practical or possible to get releases. What happens here if i feel i have some really nice photos to submit for consideration.

    • April 8, 2011 1:09 am

      You don’t have to submit model releases for the images, it’s up the purchaser whether or not they decide that they need them. Most don’t, if that helps. Sorry but we cannot give you an idea of the prices you’ll get paid as each image is different, depending on who purchases. Cheers, LPI

  11. April 6, 2011 3:10 am

    Just 1 more question please. When organising photos for initial submission, is it advisable to NOT spend too much time editing and tweaking the images. If required this could be done down the track?
    Would appreciate your opinion.
    Cheers

    • April 8, 2011 1:08 am

      Hey Stuart,
      I think you need to put your best work forward and if that means you need to edit the images, edit the images. We advise that you don’t over-edit – just tweak where necessary and don’t sharpen at all. Hope this helps.
      Good luck, LPI

  12. Tony permalink
    May 5, 2011 9:53 am

    Hi guys,

    What is the time frame is from submission to a decision on submissions? Is that sent by post or email?

    Tony.

  13. June 28, 2011 10:21 pm

    I have almost ready my DVD to send my first submission for consideration, but i even have a few questions. I´d rather if you can answer these:

    - What is the meaning of “send 500 photos per quarter”? 3 months? 4 months? 6 months? In Spanish this could mean diferents things.

    - What could happen if one quarter is not possible to send 500 images (for example, due to a broken computer or lost camera)

    Many thanks for the answers

  14. Mark Thorpe permalink
    August 22, 2011 3:29 pm

    Hello there,

    Regarding submission, what minimum size in megabytes should original images be?

    Many thanks in advance,

    Mark

    • August 24, 2011 12:27 am

      Hi Mark,

      Don’t worry to much about it for submissions. We ask for 12 mp as a minimum and the initial sub has to be in JPEG format only.

      Cheers

      LPI

  15. Mark permalink
    August 27, 2011 4:39 am

    Hello,

    I’m thinking of using a Canon 60D 15-85mm set-up for travels and interested in submitting images (that should aesthetics appeal)be useable in your library. My question is, since some of your team shooting Canon appear to use 5D’s and Mk II’s, how would this system hold up under the scrutiny of your picture editors? Better I ask now before taking it with me!

    Many thanks in advance

    Mark

  16. August 31, 2011 3:08 pm

    Hello,

    I am an amateur photographer but I do keep photographing frequently my country’s landscapes (which are beautiful) . I am from Albania. I do travel frequently also in other countries. I maybe don’t have a 500 pics collection but i would like to submit anyway some of my photos. I do own also a DSLR. Pls let me know if I can submit my photos!

    Regards

  17. Mark permalink
    September 24, 2011 8:20 pm

    Hi,

    Would just like to know, when your picture editors are selecting useable images for the library, do they have a preference for files taken with a cropped sensor camera or with full frame?

    Thanks in advance,

    Mark

  18. Mark permalink
    October 21, 2011 11:47 am

    Hello there,

    Could you tell me when I do enter a search at LPI under a destination, for example: ‘Bangkok’ are the first images I see on the most popular images that clicked on in decending order or are they perhaps most best-selling? Similarly if searching for a photographer, for example the wonderful Huw Jones’ work, are the first images I see their most clicked on images or best-selling? Alternatively are search results entirely random?

    Many thanks,

    Mark

  19. November 14, 2011 4:40 am

    Hi I’d like some guidance on the topic of model release. In a response to a post, you mentioned a model release is not necessary unless it’s for commercial use. – can you please define ‘commercial use’ and what mediums does it extend to? All my shots are taken whilst travelling hence it’s not possible to trace back the models. Secondly, did all the people shots in Lonely Planet publications have their model release forms signed? Please advise. Cheers!

    • December 2, 2011 1:51 am

      You don’t have to provide MRs for images – it just gives them more commercial value. Cheers – LPI

  20. December 1, 2011 4:50 pm

    Hi there,

    I supply images of work at around 6mp for publishers and they haven’t had any problems as per resolution. Are you struct about images above 10mp?

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