band photography, release, Goldberry

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

03/14/2005 07:37:58 PM · #1

hey all

I have an opportunity to do a photoshoot for a girl who is going to make a cd. I think i would probably set up the deal, that i will take the pics, then just give her the full rights to them, with me still being able to use them in my portfolio, and then just charge one simple fee.

However, i have NO idea what to charge. Any sudjestions???

The singer is a beginner, and i am still fairly eager to build a portfolio and contacts (I want this job to attract more jobs) so i want the price to be fairly attractive. Since the singer is just beginning she doesn't have a lot of $$ to throw at a photog.

Also i remember goldberry mentioning she used this sort of an agreement and am wondering if you (goldberry) or others know of a good contract i could use.

jab119

03/14/2005 07:42:51 PM · #2

I did some looking on the web a few weks ago for basically the same thing.

one cost that I kept seeing was $75 for the shoot and that includes giving them a 8x10 print. Now this was just for a few head shots.

Album cover and other pics I would probablly double the cost. but due to the circumstance maybe less.

James

magicshutter

Nikon D70

03/14/2005 07:52:21 PM · #3

Giving her full rights would give your own away. I would always retain copyright (so they use your name in the album sleeve etc) this way you can recieve royalties if the CD ever catches on. Give her exlusive rights to use the work as she pleases while leaving your name in association with it.

Now, if it's just the shot and someone else will edit it and all that I would do a full resolution image for $50-$100 (this pays for the crap you used in shooting it etc.) and stipulate that you are to recieve royalties for profits exceeding an amount that you both agree on (I.E. if her cd makes a million dollars, you should get a cut.. although a small cut) You should also request a copy of the cd as a 'tear sheet' type of thing.

If you are doing all the editing and formatting for her, than you should charge according to the type and amount of work involved. The amount of time, and how talented you are should also effect this.

Remember, if you are going to make money in photography you have to charge what you are worth. Only we can decide how much our work is worth.. but don't be suprised if people disagree.

Chances are you'll still be the cheapest 'professional photographer' that she'll find and will take pretty much any deal you give her unless you brutally overcharge. Just try not to get her for too much cuz it's free advertising.

03/14/2005 08:07:59 PM · #4

the girl who is designing her cd cover gave me the job.

She was going to do it herself, but i got to know her the other week, and said i was a photog. bla bla bla.

I want to make it cheap enough that she is eager to hire me again, then again, i don't want to seem supper cheap, but also since it is sort of a 'friend' relationship, i feel i should do it sort of ok, sinc you are a friend, not making any money.. and so on, i can do it ... so and so cheap...

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/15/2005 07:16:56 AM · #5

bump

Fleximus

Canon EOS-50D

03/15/2005 07:43:33 AM · #6

I have been shooting a couple of gigs for a mate who manages a band. I have been doing it for Â£1 a 6x4 print and 480x320 jpeg for the website. I have a right of usage contract with him, it stipulates he can use the images on the web and I can use them for my porfolio, advertising and exibition (both on and off the web).

I got a free album also.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/15/2005 07:52:07 AM · #7

where did you find your contract?

Fleximus

Canon EOS-50D

03/15/2005 09:21:06 AM · #8

I adjusted some other documents I found and tailored it for my requirements. I will email it to you when I get in from work.

03/15/2005 10:10:07 AM · #9

Originally posted by Fleximus:

I adjusted some other documents I found and tailored it for my requirements. I will email it to you when I get in from work.

that would be great.. thanks

tyler (at) leafpottery.com

Simms

03/15/2005 03:18:29 PM · #10

OK, I am making a little bit of pin money from Band photoshoots at the moment, in fact I am getting something of a reputation (which I didnt really set out to achieve, but its nice). Initially it was just for friends, but now I have a website and am working every other weekend, both live shoots and recording/rehersal studio shoots.
I do the photoshoot for free (its easier to get the business that way) then if they want to buy photos from me its a minimum spend of Â£50 for 5 photos (both prints and on CD) then an additional Â£8 per shot after that. The idea is, they see the photos can't decide what ones that want, then buy extras. I hold the copyright although they free usage of the photos for their own use, but not for resale. I get them to sign a model release form before the shoot, so I can then sell the photos on different stock-sites I am a member off, so I have two revenue streams from one set of photos.
I defintely recommend offering the photoshoot for free, as the punters feel they have absolutely nothing to lose as I dont got for the hardsell, I just let the photos sell themselves. I dont expect to get rich off it, but all the money I do make goes into my lens fund.

Just dont undersell yourself.

Visit the website at //www.the-binary-refinery.co.uk

If you want any advice give me a shout.

GoldBerry

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

03/15/2005 03:38:34 PM · #11

I'm doing a similar shoot on Sunday. I charge $200 an hour and that includes images on disc. For newbies I keep the shoot to 1 hour, so instead of underselling myself, I'm doing a goog job in less time and they don't even realize you are doing them a favor. That $200 includes the rights to put them online and in print. That's cheap, yeah, but the manager brings me a lot of his clients so I end up getting a lot more jobs. More established bands usually want more of your time and that's when I make more money.

I've got a band agreement I use but it's pretty long. PM me if you want a copy.

:-)

03/15/2005 05:43:26 PM · #12

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

so did you raise your price. I thought it was $150 on an older post.

I was thinking of doing something like half price or so, if it is their first cd... so that i don't undercut myself.. perhaps that gets tricky tho.... or makes grey areas. I think you pricing method is really good goldberry... i am just scared to drop the $200/hr price on them and have them never come back.

GoldBerry