Frequently Asked Questions
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The cost of photo shoots varies according to time, complexity, and scope. Our goal is to make the most of the time and resources for each shoot so that it is cost effective and benefits the University at large. Costs for photo shoots will depend on the difficulty of the assignment and time spent on it. For hourly rates and other charges, see our Rate Sheet.
The basic rate gives you the one-time right to reproduce images from a photo shoot in a particular publication or website. Future reproduction will incur a stock photography fee.
The buyout rate allows you the most flexibility by giving you the unlimited right to reproduce images from a photo shoot in any current or future projects. However, you may not transfer reproduction rights to other departments or organizations.
If you wish to have the greatest flexibility and unlimited use of the images, you should opt for the buyout rate. If you have a limited use and do not expect to use the images again, you should consider the basic rate option.
Use fees are paid for one-time use of images that exist in the BU image collection and can be used for web or print. These fees are charged as a one-time fee per image for BU purposes only.
BU Photography owns and retains the copyright to all the work its staff produces. You may not distribute, sell, or share any images produced by BU Photography without advance permission from the Creative Director.
If images are used in other publications, either print or web, a new use fee will be required. All photographs created by BU Photography must have the copyright line: Copyright Boston University Photography.
Most assignments and print orders will be ready in three to five working days after the shoot or after the production order is placed, or by an agreed-upon deadline. Rush service is available for an additional fee. See our Rate Sheet.
Within the University you may visit Request a Photo Shoot to fill out a request form. Anyone, including those outside the University, may contact us by email or phone and set up an appointment to discuss a project with the Creative Director. All consultation is free of charge and allows the client and the photographer to maximize their resources. Please contact our office by email at buphotos@bu.edu, or by phone at 617-353-3670.
BU faculty and staff members will automatically be registered by signing on with their username and Kerberos password.
BU faculty and staff members can search, buy, and download high-resolution images from our website. Other users can create a shopping cart online and submit an order electronically for fulfillment. Upon receipt of that request, BU Photography will contact you regarding your request and work with you to complete your order.
Our photo galleries will be set up to search by keywords or categories in the near future. We have a basic portfolio online for your review. However, we recommend that you contact us and schedule a time to visit our office.
BU Photography is located at 985 Commonwealth Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02215. Our phone number is 617-353-3670.
BU Photography also handles event photography, and we also have a preferred event photographer list. Please submit a request and we are happy to assign a photographer for you.