What would you charge.................

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

10/30/2006 12:09:49 PM · #1

for two nights of shooting at a bullriding event? I think the show lasts about 1-1/2 hours per night. Last year I done it for nothing and got nothing out of it. I was there already and just agreed to do it under the assumption they would buy the shots they wanted which they didn't. The lady recently contacted me to come and do it this year. This year isn't going to be free.

MattO

Nikon D4

10/30/2006 12:15:17 PM · #2

I'd get an upfront fee worth my time and effort for all the work provided. And either offer them full res files they can do with what they want. Or lower my upfront and make them advertise your prints for sale, so people know they can buy them!

MattO

dallasdux

Pentax *ist DL

Tamron AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical XR IF Super Zoom for Pentax

10/30/2006 12:15:32 PM · #3

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

Since there is no guarantee on purchases, I'd say $100 a night, but photography is merely a hobby for me so let some of the pros chime in.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

10/30/2006 12:17:19 PM · #4

I would charge a flat rate of $100/hour - that would include any post processing and one set of proofs. If they want digital copies to use in their newsletter or whatever, charge another $100/10 images on CD. If they don't want to pay pro prices, you should move along cowboy. ;)

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

10/30/2006 12:24:53 PM · #5

I was thinking about $150 per night and just giving them the files on a DVD and let them do what they want with them. I would have to shoot them JPEG as these people might not know what to do with RAW files. I think I would also require a credit on the photos they use.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

10/30/2006 12:39:21 PM · #6

Originally posted by NstiG8tr:

That'd be letting them off real cheap. $150/night might be a little low, but if you're cool with it, that's what matteres. But giving them all the hi-res shots, I think you're cheating yourself, mate. You could easily tack on another $150 for them, if not more.

Actually, I agree with

idnic - her pricing sounds like a good standard.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

10/30/2006 01:10:23 PM · #7

Anybody else with suggestions?

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

10/30/2006 01:28:21 PM · #8

i never quote rates. in order for me to determine whether or not it'll be worth it, i always ask what do they normally pay. then i'll ask them what they usually get. then i decide if it's worth it.

me and a bunch of my friends around here shoot some stuff just to get trigger time, you know, that thing about 'practice makes perfect'. we tend to think more about long term success than short term nickles and dimes.

i tell people to treat me fairly. even if they burn me, i'll still wind up with a lot more experience and some portfolio stuff that i wouldn't have otherwise.

the more you shoot, the more you and your work will be recognized. if you get good enough at it, you can make some money. but, if you spend most of your time wrangling over rates and gnashing your teeth about what to charge, you be missing valuable shooting opportunities...

bottom line: if you want the opportunity, you'll find an acceptable compensation.

digitalknight

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

10/30/2006 01:39:28 PM · #9

I'm with skiprow!

He who says a number first loses!

I had someone call me for a photo I had already sold twice - wanted to know what I would charge them. I asked what their budget was - they said $800!!! I wasn't even going to come CLOSE to that number - glad I didn't say my number first.

I'd ask what they are going to do with the images too. Sometimes just a credit to your photo where they are published will be worth your time.

I'm shooting for a local paper right now - they trade me advertising space for 3 shoots a month. That is so worth it to me, and I'm getting to be recognized in the community since I get a credit on every photo.

So just talking and asking questions and figuring out what people want gets you a long ways. People love flexible - so be flexible but turn it to your advantage.