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08/04/2006 11:05:39 AM · #1 |
Im trying to get into photography. My main goal is to take mostly nature type shots and have people want to purchase them. In the process, a friend of mine saw some of my shots and suggested me to a friend of hers for a couple of photoshoots. I use only a point and shoot fujifilm camera for all that i shoot. I do a lot of photoshopping to help with the lighting and things like that since I dont have the proper equipment to do it otherwise. Im proud of my work and I think I produce quality prints. She obviously does too because she was impressed enough with what I showed her to hire me. Here in lies my problem. She has asked me to get back with her with my price. I have NO CLUE what to charge. Im afraid to charge to much and have her tell me no thanks but I dont want to short change myself either. I will give you a short description of both shoots and maybe you can offer some advice.
#1 Outdoor shoot of about 25 tropical dancers. Wanting group shots and individual shots. The pictures are going to be used for her website and her business portfolio. She wants the pictures on a disc. She said after she sees them she may wants a few printed. It will probably take about two hours of onsite work and then the time i spend editing at home. Any idea as to what to charge? Pricing ideas for the prints she decides to have printed?
#2 A benefit Luau. The benefit itself is four hours long...need to get there a half hour before hand to shoot the food, decorations, etc. She is wanting a disc with about two hundred pictures to chose from (which means I would probably shoot about four hundred to be safe) Needs pictures of the crowd, the dancers during the show, the quest of honor (well known older country singer) and the before hand shots. She only wants a disc for now. I would asume I could do anything she wanted printed the same as with the 1st shoot (by the print). The benefit is for charity...which makes me leary of charging too much. I know the organization and know that they pay for most of it out of pocket with very few sponcers and all proceeds go to the charity.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Danielle |
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08/04/2006 11:28:48 AM · #2 |
Ok i know it has been less than a half hour but I am a very anxious person lol. The lady is waiting on my call and I would like to get back with her as soon as possible. So if anyone has any suggestions at all please let me know! Sorry to sound impatient just letting my nerves get the best of me. :)
Danielle |
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08/04/2006 11:31:43 AM · #3 |
If they want to get the CD's and have the rights to print out the photos, I would say 1000 for the first and 750 for the secound.
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08/04/2006 11:49:08 AM · #4 |
Thanks....everyone else agree with this? Anyone think its too high or too low of a charge? What about the amount to charge for the pictures they do want printed?
Danielle |
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08/04/2006 11:59:22 AM · #5 |
70 views and only one person has an opinion? Come on guys I could really use the help on this. Can't afford to not get this job. ANY advice relevent would help a great deal! Thanks!!
Danielle |
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08/04/2006 12:06:34 PM · #6 |
I don't think what you charge is that important. I gather that these are your first attempts at event photograpy. You will get a lot out of the experience of shooting them. Your client already knows that you are a beginner. I'd be inclined to set a fairly low price and tell her that these are just for these events. You will be charging a lot more when you really go into business doing this kind of work.
I also think it is fine to give her the CD and allow her to have prints made. It is a lot less hassle for you.
If everything goes well and you want to continue doing this kind of work, make a business plan and set a fee schedule. There a people here who can help you, but this is not something you can do in a couple days.
--DanW |
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08/04/2006 12:52:38 PM · #7 |
Your S3100 is not gonna work too well. It sounds like you lack experience working with models (posing, directing, etc) so your pics are gonna look like snapshots, not portraits or photographs. Your flash is not powerful enough, you lack manual modes, have noisey high-ISO, can't produce shallow DOF like a dLSR 2.8 lens can.
What i'm saying is, while you may have talent it's for nature shots you set up or can produce at your own speed, with no pressure. Equipment does matter - there's a reason wedding photogs (and papparzzi and newspapers) don't use $300 p&s cameras - they don't get the results when it matters.
I'd recomend you pass on this. While it's nice to get compliments and make some money, it really sucks to dissapoint people, and if you do you're name will be mud. Even more so that you're getting paid for it.
$100 an hour is not unreasonable. I've worked for less (and for nothing) to get my foot in the door and now I have it there and they tell me i'm charging too little!
for commercial type stuff you can do a flat fee for all of it (simplest by far) or charge a 'creative fee' (tims shooting and PP) and then add in a license fee for the images used - fee depends on what they are using it for and for how long (a small website vs national magazine ad compaign etc)
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08/04/2006 12:59:46 PM · #8 |
| Thanks for the advice. Somewhat discouraging but noted none the less. Ive already explained to the woman that I have no experience and she has seen my work. She knows the quality she will be getting. All I need is a price to give her. |
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08/04/2006 01:26:50 PM · #9 |
I think you will find that there are many, many different opinions regarding pricing for photography work. I would suggest you figure out for yourself what you'd like to get out of it. If you are unsure what the results will be with your camera and skill level, you might suggest something like this:
State that you would normally charge a reservation / sitting fee (Maybe $200) but that you are willing to waive the fee for this event.
Tell her a CD will normally run $750 (or whatever) for unlimited usage, however, you are looking to get started and are willing to do it for...? (Maybe $300 - $400?)
Just a suggestion, but I think you you really need to give some thought to what you feel is fair for you. |
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08/04/2006 01:36:53 PM · #10 |
| thanks! Tons of good suggestions. I am pretty sure I will end up coming to my own conclusion with my pricing it is just always nice to see if others feel the same or disagree with what i have decided. |
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08/07/2006 02:44:41 PM · #11 |
Find out what photographers in your area are charging for a day-rate and then charge her the same or a little lower (assuming you don't have their level of experience.
Make sure you have a letter of agreement ... that you are NOT giving up copyright (or are, if you choose to) ... and outlining the uses the photos will be put to.
The more professional you ACT, the more professional your potential client will treat you.
I guess I also tend to agree with the comments on your P&S camera ... presumably your client knows the quality of shots you are providing. Use the money you get to upgrade your equipment.
ta ta
Melanie
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