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View Full Version : Events that take place over several days...how do you price that?


Billie
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 14:22
Here is the scenerio...

How would you price an event that will have several events involved.

Here is what would need to be photographed.

1. In studio Portraits of King, Queen, Dukes and Maids (for newspaper)

2. Photographs of the Ball (formal) both action shots of the coronation and posed shots which will include all of the court and their families, and whoever else wants a picture.

3. Carnival Parade - Pictures will be outdoors action and still "posed" pictures of every float in the parade, along with the toasting of the King and Queen.

Would you put an event price on the entire thing, or break it down in hourly pricing? If you did an event price, would you include a proof book or two for picture ordering?

Just so we are on the same page, a friend of a friend, who knows that I am just starting out in photography, offered for me to take this "job." The photographer who used to shoot the event retired and they need someone to fill in the spot. This could be a yearly committment if everything goes well. I have expressed to the lady asking me to photograph the events, that this is a new avenue, and I am very inexperienced. She says that it is not that big of a concern for her, she is willing to take the risk.

With all this into consideration, I am also inexperienced and under confident with pricing. Please help or offer advice, opinions, etc. Constructive advice please.

Also, here is some of my equipment:
20D
Tamron - 28-75
Canon 50mm-1.4
Canon 75-300 1.5
kit lense from old camera Canon 35-80mm 0.4

(2) Alien Bees 800
(2) umbrellas with stands
backdrops = several: white, black, gray and more

karensimmons
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 15:57
Given the situation, ask them what their budget is and see if you can work within that.

I would not include a proof book becuase you have no one single client - it's a whole bunch of people who will want to view and order. I'd put images online for ordering and provide a selection of images to the person who is hiring you.

I'd charge a day rate for each event.

Karen

Billie
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 21:34
Thanks Karen.

I found out today that they gave their last photographer $200.00 for the ball and $200.00 for the parade, and he made all the profit off of picture sales.

sspellman
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 21:40
Billie-

I don't accept gigs based on print sales because 1) I don't have any control, and 2) I am a photographer not print maker. I require all event clients to pay based on my hourly rate, and provide them CDs to make their own prints.

If it is their business, it should not be my business risk.

-Scott

Billie
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 22:25
After reading reviews and post on POTN, is $750.00 a day typical?

chtgrubbs
12th of December 2006 (Tue), 23:26
After reading reviews and post on POTN, is $750.00 a day typical?

It would depend. It would be about average in a small city, but very low for a major metropolitan market. But as this is your first gig, and they client is used to getting essentially free work, it would be a satisfactory fee in my opinion.

sspellman
13th of December 2006 (Wed), 14:24
Billie-

I would establish an hourly rate, and let the client pick the time they want you there. $50-75 an hour is good for a beginner. So yes-$750 is good for a pro.

-Scott

Vegas Poboy
13th of December 2006 (Wed), 23:08
Not sure of the rate back east but I would go at least $100.00 per hour then a post production charge that includes post production of images and full rights. Use online sale as a bonus if someone buys. Also they market your business name within the event.

Some may think this is high but its value of your craft and product.

Billie
14th of December 2006 (Thu), 00:19
Not sure of the rate back east but I would go at least $100.00 per hour then a post production charge that includes post production of images and full rights. Use online sale as a bonus if someone buys. Also they market your business name within the event.

Some may think this is high but its value of your craft and product.

It is actually for an event down south. Mardi Gras

I am really thinking that the guy who retired from shooting the event never changed his price from the time he started. I am going to offer another amount and if they are good with it, I'll shoot, if not, I guess I will be doing something else on those weekends.

I just hate to lose the experience since they are saying that it is ok that I basically will be learning while trying to shoot the event. It is one of those double edged sword situation. Do I do it for near to nothing and gain a ton of experience and info, or do I turn it down because it is near to nothing and I could do other things on those days.