Wesley83's Blog

Getty Images has launched a new tool for Flickr users, allowing them to sell their user-generated photos to buyers.

The firms told Flickr users Friday that they have rolled out a new "Request to License" program via Getty Images, which allows any photographer to mark their photos as licensable through Getty Images.

Flickr said that users who enable the "Request to License" feature will connect interested buyers with a representative from Getty Images, who will handle details like permissions, releases, and pricing on those images for photographers.

Previously, Getty Images had created a "Flickr Collection on Getty Images" which curated photos from the Flickr site for licensing, but required the approval of Getty editors for photo inclusion; the new effort helps instead drive requests for photo licensing to Getty directly from user interest.

Neither Getty nor Flickr were forthcoming about actual rates saying they vary from job to job but are industry standard. It is generally thought the average rate for an image is between $150-$240 (£100-£160).

The agreement extends one that has been in place for the last year with photo library Getty.

Under that deal, Getty built up its stock or archive photography base with pictures taken by pros or semi-pros posting on Yahoo-owned Flickr.

These were then sold on to the firm's commercial clients and photographers were paid the industry commission rate when their images were used.

Getty's chief operating officer Nick Evans-Lombe said Flickr had been a great resource and inspiration.

Users wanting to take part in the project will be asked to opt-in to the scheme.