We stand for good contracts with equitable terms. We stand for fair rates that allow a minimum standard of living. We stand for transparent hiring practices, and an industry that is truly representative of the communities we cover.
ABOUT US
United Photojournalists of Canada (UPoC) advocates on behalf of Canadian freelance photojournalists to improve rates, contracts, and working conditions in Canadian media, through collective action. Photojournalism is a vital public service, but the industry's current economic model is not sustainable for freelancers, who make up the majority of the industry.
Oftentimes, working conditions are inequitable but by working in solidarity with one another, we can address issues much more effectively. As in many other industries, the global pandemic underscored the need to call attention to our concerns for equitable working conditions. Organizing first began around access to protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols. As photojournalists, our work is usually done outside the home, in our communities, and, as illustrated recently, it has the potential to put us at significant risk. Secondary organizing began around a new Globe and Mail contract through which we were able to negotiate collectively for the first pay increase in a generation. This laid the groundwork to create a space where freelancers could continue to organize together.
Equitable working conditions mean many different things to different people. This is why we strive for proper representation, including the intersecting voices of BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, students, and retired photojournalists in our organization–in all geographical regions throughout the country. We welcome all photographers including those who sometimes work editorially or are interested in working in the future. As we all strive to build an industry that is more inclusive, we also need to ensure that this is an industry with safe working conditions and pays a living wage that can support newcomers and lifelong career photojournalists alike.
There is lot's of work to do, but the unique demands of our industry are better faced together. UPoC commits to democratic principles that place fairness, inclusivity, and dignity at the centre of its operational and organizational practice.
Our Goals
Fair rates
Fair contracts
Inclusive community
Educate police, health authorities, political offices on working and providing access for photojournalists.
Educating the public about photojournalism.
Work with government to offer greater protections for copy-right.
Affordable group rates on dental, health and pharmacy.
National media cards for qualified members.
We are photojournalists and visual storytellers in Canada focused on producing world-class truthful, documentary and journalistic work.
As visual storytellers, we believe in the power of images to connect, inspire, uphold, confront and reflect Canadians stories. As journalists, we believe in holding power to account, in shedding light on darkened corners and helping to bring truth to Canadian readers and viewers.
We believe our role as photojournalists is to hold a mirror to the public, that we may all better understand ourselves, and each other.
The Challenge as We See It
There is a long, strong history of photojournalism and visual storytelling in Canada, but increasingly this work is falling to freelancers. As newsrooms have shrunk, and photo departments have been gutted, visual journalism in Canada is in danger of collapsing.
Freelance rates have dwindled over the past 20 years, through stagnation against inflation and also through cuts, while across the industry reliance on freelance and contract labour has increased. The costs of producing meaningful photojournalism in Canada are being increasingly shouldered by freelance and gig-economy workers going contract-to-contract, or living assignment-by-assignment.
What’s more, a truly representative Canadian media requires a living wage. The untenable economics of this industry disproportionately create a barrier for the BIPOC journalists we need more than ever—to reflect a clear picture of the Canadian experience and to create relevance for new, untapped audiences.
This is happening amidst a sea change in the media diet of Canadian readers. Now more than ever our world is a visual one, but it is increasingly difficult for professional visual journalists to survive in it.
News outlets cannot continue without strong visuals, yet the current relationship is driving us out of existence—our fates are intertwined. With more equitable partnerships, we will ensure publications can continue to count on the cadre of professional, independent journalists, and in turn support the sustainability of the entire industry.
Help Us To
Strengthen Our Profession
Have a suggestion or maybe a challenge you need help with? Were you asked to work for less or give up your copy-rights? Let us know.
UPOC Recommended Minimum Rates for News Assignments
$300
Assignment Rate
For pre-arranged photography covering a single subject or location, negotiated on a case-by-case basis (ex: quick portraits, building exteriors, short press conferences)
$600
Day Rate
For storytelling photography within a regular 8 hour day. Work beyond 8 hours will be billed at $250 for every subsequent 4 hour period.
$0.70/km
Mileage
$350
Travel Day
It is about more than just the gas—vehicle wear and tear, maintenance, insurance and up keep.
Compensation for travel days that do not require photography.
$250 For Special Skills or Gear.
Ex: Drones, specialized telephoto lenses, unique qualifications, training, etc. Fee is in addition to the assignment rate.
*All rates are considered minimum required rates to support basic photojournalism assignments at a living wage equivalent. Pricing must always take into account the difficulty/ uniqueness of the work, risk to photographers, time spent developing pitches, sources, access and ideas, etc.
A Fair Contract
UPOC Recommended Contract for Photojournalists
In consideration of the mutual promises as set forth below, this Photographer Agreement is executed as of ___________ between PUBLICATION with offices at _____________________ and _____________________ (Photographer) whose address is ________________.
PUBLICATION publishes photographs, either by themselves or in connection with articles, editorials and other content, in (i) print publication, (ii) online, digital and other electronic publication, and (iii) Web site under PUBLICATION banner (collectively, the "publication and site”). PUBLICATION keeps and makes available the content of its publication and site in archival, searchable databases for visitors to its Web site and readers of its publication.
PUBLICATION wants to retain the Photographer, serving as an independent contractor, to conduct photo shoots and deliver photographs from time to time as requested by PUBLICATION for use in the publication and site specifically. Photographer and PUBLICATION agree to the following terms:
1. PUBLICATION will indemnify and defend a freelancer against any third-party claim arising out of any article published or distributed and any news gathering related thereto unless PUBLICATION forms the good-faith judgment that such claims arise out of the freelancer’s breach of representation, warranty, or obligation under their contract. Such indemnification will include all losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, damages, and recoveries. PUBLICATION will do this if the freelancer agrees to fully cooperate with PUBLICATION and its parent and affiliated entities, and their members, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, representatives, and agents from and against any actions, claims, demands, liabilities, expenses, and costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of any third-party claim related to such breach.
2. Cancellation Fees: PUBLICATION will pay 10% of the negotiated fee if cancelled more than two weeks in advance, 25% if cancelled within one week, 50% if cancelled less than 48 hours in advance, 100% if less than 24 hours. Client should pay all expenses incurred by the Photographer up to the time of cancellation.
3. Payment within 30 days of receiving an invoice.
4. Photographer agrees to conduct requested photo shoots and deliver the resulting photographs to PUBLICATION by the deadlines requested by PUBLICATION. Photographer will deliver photographs for use and publication by PUBLICATION in accordance with PUBLICATION's specifications.
5. Photographer warrants to PUBLICATION that the photographs delivered to PUBLICATION are original to Photographer, have not been published by a third party, and do not infringe a third-party copyright or violate the right of privacy or publicity of a third party.
6. PUBLICATION agrees to pay Photographer according to the fee schedule included in Attachment I for taking and delivering photographs for PUBLICATION.
7. PUBLICATION will reimburse Photographer for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with photo shoots commissioned by PUBLICATION. Photographer will submit reasonable documentation of the expenses. No other payment shall be due for the rights granted and the services rendered except as indicated in this Agreement.
8. Photographer grants to PUBLICATION the worldwide right and license (for the full term of the copyright) to (i) modify the photographs (such as colour correcting and cropping) for use in only PUBLICATION publication and site, (ii) copy and store the photographs as needed in connection with the publication and site, (iii) publish the photographs in any of the publication and site, in any medium, and in excerpts, summaries, links, abstracts and search results that relate or point to what was originally published in the publication and site and (iv) store and make available for archival searching through one of the site of PUBLICATION or its related entities the photographs as originally used in the publication and site.
8B.PUBLICATION will not share this image with any other publication that is not specifically PUBLICATION. Any form of syndication will require a payment to the photographer.
9. In the case of reuse when the photograph is not used in connection with the original story in which it was first used, PUBLICATION agrees to pay Photographer a Print Re-use Fee as stated in the fee schedule included in Attachment I.
10. A credit line will accompany any photograph appearing in the publication and site.
11. Either party can terminate this Agreement with or without cause with 30 days' prior written notice to the other, and all engagements while this Agreement was in effect or in progress at the time of termination shall continue to be governed by these terms. Licenses for photographs purchased under this Agreement do not terminate when this Agreement terminates.
12. Photographer retains the right to publish each photograph from a shoot commissioned by PUBLICATION on its own or to license it to a third party after two days of the first publication date.
13. This Agreement supersedes any previous arrangements, negotiations, or discussions between the parties. It cannot be changed except in writing signed by both parties.
Resources
Photo Bill of Rights https://www.photobillofrights.com/
CARFAC Fee Schedule https://www.carfac.ca/tools/fees/
Getty Fee Calculator https://www.gettyimages.ca/purchase/price-calculator/sb10069475ab-001
fotoQuote (paid) http://www.cradocfotosoftware.com/fotoquote/fotoquote-pro-demo/
London Freelance Register http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.php?§ion=Photography&subsect=Broadcasting
Video
Independent Media Arts Alliance https://imaa.ca/source/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMAA-fee-sched-2020-23-with-approval-en-2021.pdf
London Freelance Register
http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.php?§ion=Photography&subsect=Broadcasting
Freelance Media Unions in Canada
Canadian Freelance Guild (under CWA, formerly under CMG)
Unifor Canadian Freelance Union
Other resources on collective actions for freelancers
https://culturalworkersorganize.org/about/