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Photo Forum / General Photo Topics / Australian Photography / March 2007Pricing photographic services for functions?
Hi All - I've just been told about a 21st where some friends of friends want a photographer to record events. It's a 4hr deal. I'm wondering how I should structure my fee - as this would be the first paid job I've done. I'm studying photog and have taken it seriously for a couple of years now... This is my gallery: http://picasaweb.google.com/schMick.01 FYI Any other tips/ thoughts or comments you'd like to share? I'd really appreciate any input. TIA, Mick Mick I had a look at your site and some good shots there. I did note that you are a bit short on the type of shots that a 21st will require. I have done a few of these (usually for friends and therefore I don't charge but provide the shots as a 21st gift) and find that they are very different environments (even from weddings which have some formal structure). The type of standard "red eyed" party shots just don't work for a charging gig. I found it necessary to set out a shot list with some formal shots and some reportage type shots. You must know who is who and what the family politics are to ensure good coverage etc. I found that a coupe of good reads to help you develop in this area are: Jonathon Hilton - a series including one called special occasion photography (part of the Pro Photo series) isbn 2-88046-374-2 and a few others in that series (I have most of these and they are pretty good value - low priced $12.00) John Freeman - including one called the Photographers Manual isbn 1-84038-430-1 Michael Wright - Digital Family Photography isbn 1 - 59200 - 108 - 4 Paul Gero - Digital Wedding Photography (I have this one and its a great read) isbn 1 - 904705 - 49 - 9 All the best for the events. regards Don > Hi All - > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > TIA, > Mick > Mick > [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > > TIA, > > Mick Thanks Don. I'll check out the books you've mentioned. I don't have all my photos up at the moment... so I'm a little more well-rounded than I appear ;D But it's true that I don't do so much of the formal posed shots.. Cheers, Mick Mick Certainly didn't mean to imply you weren't up to the job. I think the main thing is to enjoy and have some confidence in your own ability. All to often people warn others off this type of work unless they are "professional". I believe that even though one may not make a living from photography, it doesn't mean you cannot be professional in your approach and output. Just have a look at sites such as PhotoSig and others and see the high quality of the work by so called amateurs. Hope it goes well. regards Don >> Mick >> [quoted text clipped - 58 lines] > Cheers, > Mick > Mick > [quoted text clipped - 74 lines] > > Cheers, > > Mick No worries Don - I took the comment in the manner you intended. I wouldn't consider doing it if I didn't have the confidence - which would have been a real issue a few months back. Now, I reckon I'm up to it. Particularly after the motorbike shoot I did on the weekend. The owner is stoked, so my confidence is up as well. I'm happy with any advice offered (particularly as there aren't as many people out there as I thought!). Will check out phootsig Cheers mate. > No worries Don - I took the comment in the manner you intended. > > I wouldn't consider doing it if I didn't have the confidence - which > would have been a real issue a few months back. Now, I reckon I'm up > to it. Particularly after the motorbike shoot I did on the weekend. > The owner is stoked, so my confidence is up as well. yeah - confidence is the first part, backing it up is the second. Sounds like you can do both. Quote properly, full price less discount (if you're offering one). ie: Quote "$300, with a mates discount of $200 = $100 balance" rather than "I'll do it for $100". This does two things - it shows how nice you are to your mates, and it shows the real price of the job. I got stung once with a job I did for a friend, who then told many others the 'price'. Quoting this way (price less discount) would have solved many of the dramas I had following that one cheap job. > > No worries Don - I took the comment in the manner you intended. > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Quoting this way (price less discount) would have solved many of the > dramas I had following that one cheap job. I like this advice! Very helpful. Thanks. (so the $200 is what I should reasonably aim for ?) > (so the $200 is what I should reasonably aim for ?) it was just an example. if you want to be serious about it, ask: - "how much is my time worth?" - "how do I pay for my kit or replace it?" - "do I have to travel to/from the event?" - "do they want prints, or a cd, or website?" etc. If you think they'll go for $200, then quote a $400 'book rate' ($100 per hour x 4) with a 50% 'mates discount' to square it off. If you're both happy, you got yourself a gig, he got himself a bargain, and you've established a $100/hr book rate for yourself. > > (so the $200 is what I should reasonably aim for ?) > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > both happy, you got yourself a gig, he got himself a bargain, and you've > established a $100/hr book rate for yourself. Yeah. I get the 'how much am I worth' bit. Confidence is reasonably healthy at this point - but the mates mate bit is what gets me. I need to build a reputation... but I can't price myself out of the game. Surprisingly, they want to go 'budget' *laughs*. Is always the way, I know. I like the 50% discount and establishing a 'book rate'. Intriguing. Cheers Andy. >> Mick >> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >> output. Just have a look at sites such as PhotoSig and others and see the >> high quality of the work by so called amateurs. Hope it goes well. >>> Mick > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Cheers mate. You should ask the world's best wedding photographer Douglas McDonald for help. His vast 20 years of experience will squash whatever talent you may have right out of you. > >> Mick > [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > His vast 20 years of experience will squash whatever talent you may have > right out of you. Hmmm ;D I've been following this forum for long enough now to realise how well esteemed Mr McDonald is here. |
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