Q:

How to explain that the .jpg (digital file) of my photograph isn't free?

since I keep getting asked by different people if I can just send them the digital file to a photo of mine they've seen in the news, I'd like to ask:
How do I explain politely that I'm trying to make a living of this, and will only sell narrow rights to an image in proportion to an agreed upon payment?

A:

From experience I'd advise that you should not explain anything (politely or otherwise) when it comes to people wanting you to work for free.
Explaining things just gets you into a situation where people (usually people who want everything for free) take it as an invitation to challenge your position regarding payment and licencing which will waste your time in a way that you cannot charge for (easily).
Instead, just create a standard (but polite) 'thanks for your interest in my work' type message and a form to request the image, usage terms and preferred payment method that they'd like.

A:

You have, as a professional, received a request from a potential customer.
The response from you should be a written quotation stating your price and other commercial terms.

A:

Simply telling them isn't rude. Most people would only be asking because they didn't realize it was a for-pay product in the first place. So just let them know.
Them: "Can you send me a link to the digital version of that photo?"
You: "Actually, selling those photographs is how I make my living. So I can't just give the source file to you, but if you want to talk about purchasing rights/licensing/a copy then just let me know."

