Have to write Proposal, have no idea what to charge ($$)

[freeflydrew]

Good Morning and Happy almost Easter!

I have been offered a part time great opportunity with a school outside NYC. They would like me to Photograph four major events during the school year:

-Senior Portraits
-Father/Daughter Dance
-Prom
-Graduation

They like my Photo examples I showed them and asked me to write up a quick proposal for the position.

I have no idea what to charge for the prints or events!!!
This is what I had in mind... Please offer suggestions or changes!!!

-Senior Portraits
$25 sitting fee for each student (48 girls)
Opportunity to purchase prints from shoot
Proofs made available online with watermark

-Father/Daughter Dance
$500 fee paid by the school
Setup area for poses, and shoot candids
Opportunity to purchase prints from event
Proofs made available online with watermark

-Prom
$500 fee paid by the school
Setup area for poses, and shoot candids
Opportunity to purchase prints from event
Proofs made available online with watermark

-Graduation
Shoot Senior Class Photo/Speakers/Ceremony/Candids
Some family portraits
Opportunity to purchase prints from event
Proofs made available online with watermark

What specific pricing is appropriate for HS events like this? I know most photographers have order sheets where you can choose different packages of photos, but unfortunately I haven't seen any. Can someone please post pricing examples like this?

Thanks so much!
Drew

[chtgrubbs]

Usually in these situations the school is expecting you to charge the students/parents for prints and print packages and then give the school a cut of your income. Your school may be different, but this has been my experience with other schools. I can't tell you what going rates are because I haven't done this for a long time. My best suggestion is to ask them what the arrangement is with the photographer who was currently doing this for them, and then work from there.

[freeflydrew]

OK Thanks!
They have said that they don't won't to get involved with the $$ from the families, and that they they're not sure what the current photographer is charging families for prints.
:-\

[freeflydrew]

This is what I have come up with so far... Please comment!


Graduation:
Senior Class Photo
Family Portraits
Capture Graduation Ceremonies, including Speakers, Procession, and Candids
Watermarked Proof Images will be available online for viewing/ordering
Photos can be ordered by downloading the order form and sending it to Andrew L Gillies, along with a check or money order. (Orders will not be processed unless payment has been received)
The school will not be charged for this event

Pricing for Photos:
Senior Class Photo
5X7 $15
8X10 $20
11X14 $25

Other Photos from Graduation
Wallets Pkg. of 8 $15
4X6 $4 each
5x7 $8 each
8x10 $15 each
11x14 $20 each



Senior Portraits
~30 minutes per student
Outdoors (weather permitting. Indoor Studio Space will be setup with appropriate Lighting and Equipment in Mansion)
At least 30 8 megapixel Photos will be taken of each student
Watermarked Proof Images will be available online for viewing/ordering
Photos can be ordered by downloading the order form and sending it to Andrew L Gillies, along with a check or money order. Orders will not be processed unless payment has been received.
$25 sitting fee for each student (payment expected before start of 30 minute session)

Pricing for images:
Wallets Pkg. of 8 $15
4X6 $5 each
5x7 $10 each
8x10 $15 each
11x14 $25 each

CD of all Photos of a Particular Student w/o Watermark $50

[liza]

Our school photographer gets the money up front from the kids when he takes the picture. I think he charges a minimum of $15.00 for his prom package, which doesn't include a lot. He does the same thing for sports packages. The parents order what they want when the pictures are taken. I'm trying the online thing with sports photos and haven't sold one yet. If it doesn't pan out, I may start having the photos processed myself and bring them to the ball field with me to sell. As for Senior portraits, I charge $50 for the sitting fee plus the print price, which is comparable to yours.

[phylet]

the 25 bucks your charging for the sitting fee for 30 images might be a bit off, i think you'd be pushed to get 30 differant top quality images in 30 mins, why not go for a smaller number and concentrait on quality? as well, do you have time to PP 1,500 images?
maybe go for 10 shots per student and include a 5x7?

[freeflydrew]

the 30 photos has since been eliminated :-)
I've also converted to package pricing for the senior photos.
Still working on it though!