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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> another question regarding rates
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07/19/2006 10:49:48 AM · #1
I found a startup clothing company that needs photos. They are looking to do a shoot w/ 4 models about 3 outfits each. The company wants people to offer their rates and I can only assume they are looking for the low bidder. I would like to hear what people would charge for a rate. Please give me your high rate, your low rate, and any info that would help. This is a 1 day shoot, and I would need to travel about 3 hrs to get there.
07/19/2006 11:20:30 AM · #2
Originally posted by Jmnuggy:

I found a startup clothing company that needs photos. They are looking to do a shoot w/ 4 models about 3 outfits each. The company wants people to offer their rates and I can only assume they are looking for the low bidder. I would like to hear what people would charge for a rate. Please give me your high rate, your low rate, and any info that would help. This is a 1 day shoot, and I would need to travel about 3 hrs to get there.

Justin, please don't take this the wrong way, but have you ever done a photo shoot along the scale of this? I don't want to discourage you, but you may be biting off more than you can chew if you don't already know what a reasonable rate is.

Think of me as the guy interviewing you for the assignment. Do you have what it takes to deliver me a quality product? What makes you say that? Can I see your portfolio?

Generally you don't WANT to be the lowball bidder. People perceive you as inferior in quality/skill if you do. Know what your competition in your area charges and charge around the average.

Hope this helps...
07/19/2006 05:38:52 PM · #3

SO they're a startup - doing the job for less means you're helping fund their startup, but what do YOU get out of it?

Other than fun and portfolio, why by the low bidder?
07/20/2006 11:42:17 AM · #4
why be the low bidder? Because the low bidder gets the work. Its not a charity shoot. Just because they are a startup doesn't mean I am donating services. Also if I am funding their startup by doing it a little cheaper than normal, fine. Word of mouth is the most powerful advertising. If I do a good job for less adn they start doing well, I have more jobs. If 1 job turns into 3 than it doesn't really matter if I did it for a little less.

Besides that, my question was asking about what rates to send them for the shoot.

This business of photography section is turning sour. Everytime I ask a question I get at least someone telling me how crazy and unprepared I am to be even thinking of doing business if I don\'t already know the answer. There is always someone who seems to just critique the idea of going into business rather than answer the asked question. Sounds like a group of pros trying to keep their little piece of the market by critisizing everyone else.

No offense profate, Ive seen you post on my questions before and you give great info especially about the weddings
07/20/2006 12:02:49 PM · #5
You are right Justin, It's always hard to get a straight answer, especially on what to charge. There are a few "professional" here and a lot more of us that want to be. Yes there are probably many who do nothing but photography, I'm one of those but still not a proffesional, it pays for the gear and travel.

So it's hard to answer definatively. I would bill them the full amount and then discount. That was you have not set too low of a price point. If you think this will grow by word of mouth (and make sure you have copyright so you can use them in your portfolio and as marketing) then set a base seating fee and so much for processing as well as use of the photos.

The big established companies are in it for business, your only real price competition will be others like you.

So how much, what do you need and how much processing time will it take. $75 setup and travel fee. $50 per hour on-site fee that will include one finished photo of each model. Proof fee of $200 that is credited against the final bill when proofs are returned and final payment received. $25 per hour post processing. $15 for each 8x10 processed photo. Offer the photos as RF (royalty free) at $50 each or as a group $500 for everything.

Again without knowing your market it's really impossible to help. I know wedding photogs that charge a minimum of $2000 plus photos and they are terrible .. absolute junk yet they are very busy. While others charge $500 and are not as busy but much better product. Just determine what you think your time is worth, give it a try. You'll know for the next client.

GOOD LUCK!
07/24/2006 12:12:04 AM · #6
are u gonna shot with your rebel? I thought pro guys had like the big cams available
07/24/2006 03:09:03 PM · #7
the rebel is quite sufficient for pro jobs. It really is the lens that makes the shot and I have nice glass. I also rent/borrow L series when I need something special.

The rebel is the first thing I would upgrade when I have the money, but for now it does alright. I would really like a full frame.
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