How much to charge...

[bluej511]

Alright well the company has been pretty impressed with the Cruiser pictures i take and there using a couple of them right now for flyers and for the site and what not...Now they've offered me an after hr (im a mechanic 8-5) and asked me what they thought was acceptable as an hrly rate. I will be taking pictures of cruisers,police products and what not, and might hopefully go to a couple police shows.

Ive never been paid before and ive only had my rebel xt for 1yr and have only shot 3000pics or so. I plan on buying a polarizer either today or tomorrow and a flash possibly the 430EX if this goes thru.

Any help or tips would be appreciated greatly...i wont be doing any editing just taking pics.

[bluej511]

Anyone?

[stathunter]

The more you charge the more they expect. Are you PS any of the pics? I would recommend that you do a dry run and make sure the setup/lighting are in order or you will need to have lighting or set up your subject to correct the issue. Long and short of it is if you can get $150 for your time and effort plus "PS Fees" it might be worth having it in your portfolio.
You should determine what your time is worth-----do not be afraid to ask.

[bluej511]

Well its gonna be hourly and after work so 5 to 9 hopefully, i gotta take some pictures of the products in the store and some vehicles...I wont be doing any of the PS fortunatly and if i get home late i wouldnt ahve time to anyways.

I have to talk to the lady today but i was thinking between 20-30hrs an hr so that they dont expect much and then maybe go up as it gets better.

P.S. Whats a portfolio? And why should i start one?

[mysubaruimp]

Since this is your first photography job, hourly, and mostly guaranteed work, I would charge your normal day rate + 10-20%. This job will lead to other photography jobs, give you a reference for future jobs, give you lots of practice, and provide you with some shots for your portfolio. I wouldnt want to lose the job because I bid too high. It would really help to find out what the other guy was paidfor it, and then undercut it by a little bit. They probably dont have a huge budget and are looking to cut back anywhere they can. If you can get in under the price point of the other guy, its just one more thing thats positive for you. Normally not the advice I would give, but in your situation, I think its the best thing to do, for everyone.

A portfolio is like a photo album, with all of your best shots in it. You show new clients the portfolio to show them what you are capable of producing.

[bluej511]

the other guy was getting 95$ and hr and the lady told me he was horrible so im not gonna charge 50$ and hr lol im thinking 20-30 but id be doing it after work hours so probably 5-8 or 9