posted 06-25-2016 01:20 PM
I'm wanting to put together a book that showcases images and stories of a particular angle of the Apollo program. It's not mega revolutionary in content, but special for archiving and bringing to life these stories through newer production techniques and newer resources coming to light.I have concerns image right permissions from the Apollo astronauts. NASA image rights are free to use, however if an astronaut can identify themselves, then you are required to seek their permissions.
For the book project I would love to use images of pretty much all of the astronauts from the program, as they are a major of the whole program, and more important from an historical and educational point of view to include. The purpose of the book is to really present this moment of history in a new light for future generations and would be strange not to be able to include these images. Detrimental for historical education in fact!
I'm working independently from a publishing house, and with a small amount of funding from advance sales I am able to cover the costs to break even at the end of the project. The tight budget doesn't really allow for the purchasing of image rights, from an astronaut for example.
Does anyone else has had any experience with requesting image rights, or if the book being published (technically a commercial project, but rooted with the purpose to inform and educate) is exempt from this? Or does anyone has had any experience and knows how to go about contacting astronauts or their estates for their permissions?
Any help on this matter would be of great help and also continue the wonderful historical legacy of the Apollo program.