Project pricing advice wanted (long post)

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

10/23/2007 02:03:04 PM · #1

Hey all,
I have been in discussion with a lady from the local hospital network here about a project she is working on to make a local physician's directory. She has asked for a proposal to provide head shots of the doctors for the directory.
The details: set up on site for 2-4 days, the doctors would come by when they had the free time, end product would be a single head shot of each on disc. They will be inviting up to 900 physicians.
This is the first time they have done anything like this, she doesn't know how many physicians would actually take the time to show up. She is working under a budget, but didn't disclose exactly what it is. I've thought a lot about this, my concern is if not many doctors show, I would not want to accept a large sum of money from her for basically nothing if the project was a wash. (I know, but that is MY personal values getting in the way :-) However, I would not want a total waste of my time either, if only just for one day. I explained to her that it would be a first time for me also, doing a job of this scope, and that my bid would reflect a discount from going rates according to my level of experience.

So, with all this in mind, here is what I was thinking- $250/day, plus $2/head shot-doctor.
I think that this would 'cover' us both, as opposed to a set price for the project, in the event that few doctors showed up.

Misc. tidbits-
-no prints involved, just the end disc, a single headshot/doctor, so very little pp would be involved. Mainly just the time for sorting and disc burning, etc.
-no time crunch, they are shooting for spring/summer to complete
-any equipment I don't have that I find will be necessary, I am prepared to borrow/rent/purchase
-resulting income, she said that they would probably want the photographer that does the job to come back every couple months or so and do shoots of new physicians to keep up on it for directory updates.
Plus, I believe that possibly, some of these doctors could want photography for their own business/personal uses, so....
-did I mention that the potential money for this job would be huge for me right now :-) not to mention the experience, etc.

So....sorry for the long post, but what do you think? Sound reasonable, or am I way off base?

thanks in advance :-)

Mydee1

Nikon D200

10/23/2007 02:27:13 PM · #2

There is excellent information located at the American Society of Media Professionals site. More specifically they have a section called the ASMP Paperwork Share where pricing information, details and licensing is given about jobs similar to the one you are considering.

10/24/2007 12:39:16 AM · #3

do you have a link by chance? I can't find what you're talking about

10/24/2007 01:32:49 AM · #4

Ok, I found it :-)
Nice site, but really very general information if you are not a member.
thank-you, anyway though :-)

10/24/2007 03:05:58 AM · #5

anyone else???

10/24/2007 11:19:43 AM · #6

hopeful bump...

Prof_Fate

10/24/2007 12:16:31 PM · #7

I know you might feel bad if not many show up for pictures, but think of it this way. If you worked for me and i sent you there for 4 days would you want paid for all 4 days even if you shot no pictures?

I'd offer her two options - your $250 and $2 or $100/hour. I would think you could find out the best hours to be there- 4 to 8 or 8 to noon or something and not have to be there for 8 straight hours.

Reserve the right to sell the photos to the doctors- put them on a website and let them buy prints or files. Corp headshots (one pose/file and no prints) is often sold for $250. Yes, that much. Of course the company get the rights to use the photo for whatever (usually publicity in the newspaper, company newsletters, etc).