Sharing the cost of photography with a MPL agreement

A MPL "Multiple-Party License" is an agreement between the photographer and multiple users of the finished photography prior to the shoot. Simply stated the cost of production of the photography is shared equally by all parties, then each party is billed a separate rights-license fee for their intended use. Agreements like this are most successful when the final image choices and use of the images is the same. It can represent a substantial savings to each participant vs separate photo shoots. The only time a MPL is not practical is when the needs of the parties differ significantly. If one party needs a full coverage record of a project and the other party is looking for more styled images for marketing it becomes too difficult to please both and separate shoots should be planned.

To learn more about MPL's in the AIA ASMP Best Practices PDF booklet click here.

"In or Out"

This classic phrase used by all parents is also applicable to discussions about what the client wants in the final photograph. What to include in the frame is often a very personal decision that only the client can answer. Take the time to communicate your preferences with the photographer. Is there a particular way you'd like your photographs to look? The inclusion of plants, furniture, props and other image details should be reviewed in advance. In post production retouching do you prefer to have small distractions, like exit signs and sprinkler heads removed? Having these discussions prior to the shoot will insure that the images you receive are the images you envisioned.