Charging for a club night event?

[Yella Fella]

Not sure if this is the right section

However, I been approached about covering an entire dance night event... which is basically an R&B Hip Hop night, and they are wanting pics taken of DJ's, group shots of random people, just basically covering the whole event.

How much do you guys charge for this kinda thing? Do you charge by the hour or the for the whole event? I reckon it will be a 4-5 hour affair from 10pm going on past 2am in the morning.

Only problem is, its a 3 hour journey and I have to factor in driving time, work wages (as a contractor i dont get paid hols) and accommodation.

Im based in the UK if that helps. All advice appreciated, thanks

[TeeJay]

Phew, theres a whole host of stuff to consider here....

If you normaly charge "by the hour" I would work out a fixed fee for the event - based on say 5 hours shooting time.

Then add a mileage charge of maybe .50p per mile (whats the distance - 180 miles?) so your adding £90 travelling costs. Then you've got accomaodation; doesn't have to be 5 star, but don't see that you should pay.

So all-in-all your maybe looking at somewhere round the £600 mark?

TJ

[René Damkot]

In addition to the above post, I usually charge 50% for travelling *time*.

[kmb]

Also depends what sort of rights they want for their photos. I definitely charge more if full rights (meaning including re-publishing rights in media) are wanted (vs. just rights to use them on web pages, posters and such).

[livewire-photography.com]

Is it a big Club or Famous? have you shot there before?
Personally i think £600 is a bit high/Very high i cant see them biting for that.

[Yella Fella]

im not even sure on the hourly wage, because its not like im shooting a portrait and printing out a few pics

it seems they are wanting pics of everything for full use so it seems, flyers, web site, posters, advertising their night.

Its a big club i think, but the night is 3rd party promoters, not in house. But there will be repeated nights as such, so a good chance for experience and replication

[DwightMcCann]

Try to get a "package" deal with exact specs on the product you are to provide. If there is likely repeat business you may want to take the into account. I generally figure $100USD per hour (although I am now quoting $200USD as I don't have time for more work) for shooting which then covers the time for post processing, etc. And 1/2 rate for travel ('cause there's not post processing for that.) But, you have to weigh the value to your portfolio, network, name recognition and contacts in general and be open to negotiate. And keep in my that sometimes these things simply go astray no matter good your intentions and the whole issue is overtaken by events ... I have had some of the strangest interactions imaginable trying to work out a deal, sigh.

[jackies35]

Here in the city I see alot of guys walking around with their P&S taking pictures (1 or 2 guys with DSLRs) at the clubs/bars. These youngsters are getting paid $ 15.00 per hour and all the pictures are downloaded to a website for free viewing & printing.

When someone hires me to cover a party (3 to 5 hours), I only charge $ 165 for travelling, CD of the entire event, and my time. Since I offer to print on-location, I usually get an additional $ 800 - $1000 per night. Each picture has my info on it! So, if they want to use it for anything else, they have to contact me or else!! However,
YOU MUST SPEAK WITH THE MANAGER AS WELL!!! The promoters may not have covered this part (printing on location & exchanging money on the dance floor may seem illegal). I told the manager what I do and he was so excited & that he didn't charge me....

Yes! Yes! I know my (Startup) price is very low, but again, taking pictures in the club is free unless you are working for a promoter ($15.00 an hr) or a celebrity who pays good money!! I print on location just to make extra money. I really didn't know I could make so much money in one night!!! It really exploded in my face...

I am not sure if $ 600 is too much because of the travelling, hotel, etc.. etc.. It might be right!! I don't want you to scare them so, try to come down a little... You never know who might be there & have your business cards ready!!!!

[DwightMcCann]

Jackies, could you tell us a bit about your camera-to-print arrangement? This may be something that more of us could get into.

BTW, which city is "the city"?

[jackies35]

Is it a big Club or Famous? have you shot there before?
Personally i think £600 is a bit high/Very high i cant see them biting for that.

That's true & you don't want to scare them!! Let them cover all your travelling UPFRONT and maybe you could figure out the 3 to 5 hours per hr on your own!! This way you didn't spend a dime getting there and waiting until the event.

$ 75 to 115 per hour?? I am guessing! What would I know?? I am a big time NEW amateur trying to handle this business!!

All pictures should be watermark unless they state otherwise... Make sure you can get credited (name mentioned) in every magazine your photos are used.... I had to learn the hardway... And it was way too late!!:lol:

[jackies35]

:lol: Jackies, could you tell us a bit about your camera-to-print arrangement? This may be something that more of us could get into.

BTW, which city is "the city"?


When someone hires me to take pictures at their special event, I offer to print pictures for everyone and anyone!

It's pretty much like Event Photography.... You have to bring your equipment (camera, lens, filters, stand, CF cards, computer...etc) AND THE PRINTER with paper and ink! :lol:

Oh yea! To download the pictures in the computer quickly, you could use a wirelessly software for (5D, 30D, and i think the 10 and 20D). As for the XT Rebel(s) I had to use a program called DSLR remote pro & cable.

Dwight, did i answer the question correctly or did I get it wrong? Let me know! thanks

[DwightMcCann]

:lol:


When someone hires me to take pictures at their special event, I offer to print pictures for everyone and anyone!

It's pretty much like Event Photography.... You have to bring your equipment (camera, lens, filters, stand, CF cards, computer...etc) AND THE PRINTER with paper and ink! :lol:

Oh yea! To download the pictures in the computer quickly, you could use a wirelessly software for (5D, 30D, and i think the 10 and 20D). As for the XT Rebel(s) I had to use a program called DSLR remote pro & cable.

Dwight, did i answer the question correctly or did I get it wrong? Let me know! thanks

You answered part of what I wanted to know ... you tether to your laptop? How long a cable? Does this lock you into a particular location? Are you shooting the bands or the guests or both? I might consider WiFi to my laptop as I have some other potential uses and could overcome the $1000 cost. I would also like to know what software you use, what if any post processing you do, which printer, what sizes of prints and what prices ... if that isn't too much to ask. I have heard a number of times that folks who print on the spot tend to make pretty good money.

[sspellman]

Ed-

I charge promoters/venues/artists $150 an hour that includes a commercial use license for 3 years and the images on CD, no releases(50% deposit upfront for new clients). Printing on site is an extra $600 for dye sub printers and an assistant. I charge $300 extra to post on my internet gallery with a card to find the pics. DSLRPro works great for teathered shooting.

I can't think of a client that would also want to also pay travel time on top of this rate.

-Scott

[DwightMcCann]

Ed-

I charge promoters/venues/artists $150 an hour that includes a commercial use license for 3 years and the images on CD, no releases(50% deposit upfront for new clients). Printing on site is an extra $600 for dye sub printers and an assistant. I charge $300 extra to post on my internet gallery with a card to find the pics. DSLRPro works great for teathered shooting.

I can't think of a client that would also want to also pay travel time on top of this rate.

-Scott

Scott, which printer(s) do you take onsite and what software do you use to print?

[Yella Fella]

thanks for the tips guys...

on another note, i just got a canon elsphy (sp?) ES1 printer, really cool :D

[sspellman]

Scott, which printer(s) do you take onsite and what software do you use to print?

Kodak 500 Dye Subs straight from PS. I have had some perfomance problems with them, but in a crisis, they can print right from the card. For clients that insist on larger prints, I drag out my Canon 9900.

-Scott

[DwightMcCann]

Kodak 500 Dye Subs straight from PS. I have had some perfomance problems with them, but in a crisis, they can print right from the card. For clients that insist on larger prints, I drag out my Canon 9900.

-Scott

I'll have to research a bit more ... I did see a Kodak 1400 that appears to print to 8.5 x 14 but can't imagine going larger than 8x12" onsite. I haven't done events in this context but it has a lot of appeal. Thanks for bringing it up.

[jackies35]

You answered part of what I wanted to know ... you tether to your laptop? How long a cable? Does this lock you into a particular location? Are you shooting the bands or the guests or both? I might consider WiFi to my laptop as I have some other potential uses and could overcome the $1000 cost. I would also like to know what software you use, what if any post processing you do, which printer, what sizes of prints and what prices ... if that isn't too much to ask. I have heard a number of times that folks who print on the spot tend to make pretty good money.

Oh Sorry!! The City is NEW YORK CITY!!!

I am tether to my laptop and I am locked into one location for 1 to 2 hours. After that, I move around and capture the entire party {i have to make the CD}!!

For ex: I did a birthday party and I had all the children lined up to take a picture with Barney, Blue's Clues, and or the clown. The parents loved the pictures! The parents ganged up on me and wanted more... That's where the money rolls in... I purchased the 50mm f/1.4 because I need good, sharp, and fantasy images on the first 2 shots. I cannot stop and PP anything. I don't shoot in RAW unless it's a photo shot for models, magazine, or a personal photo shoot..etc.... This is a one time thing for printing images immediately!! The results are unbelieveable! GREAT KEEPSAKES!! GREAT FOR LIFETIME MEMORIES!

Also, i shoot anyone, anything, and everyone who is willing to pay!!!!! Otherwise, if you don't like the images, no problem.:lol:

The only reason why my prices are low AGAIN, I am an amateur taking pictures (my love) and need to get back the money for my time, ink, and paper. Would you believe there are people who consider and think my prices are high?? The images are sharp! I worked hard and read everything about this business and they are complaining my prices are high... Well, so what!! Tough love!! hahaha!!:lol:

There are several software programs you can use, instant images, DSLR remote pro, or the one that came with Canon Zoom (Remote Capture)....

Dwight, you can WiFi but I can't from what I've read so far. I have the Rebel XT 350D (only cable 1 to 10 ft from the computer)....

Let me know if you have anymore questions... I think I answered them all....:lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Oh Sorry!! The City is NEW YORK CITY!!!


Well, next question, is that you in your avatar?

Then, remind me what size prints you make and how much you charge for each size? Or do you simply charge a flat fee for performing the service?

I realize this sort of highjacks the thread but I think it is a worthwhile discussion and a potential opportunity for the club shooters.

[jackies35]

Yes, that's me... I don't have anyone to take pictures of me so I have to use a mirror...

My rates are 8x10 - 8x12 = $ 15 to $ 22 depending on the frames
5x7 & 6x8 = $ 10 to $14
4x6 - with designer frames or personalized frames $ 5 to $ 8

[DwightMcCann]

Frames? Oh, good, tell me about these frames ... do you take boxes of frames with you?

[blackshadow]

For a night club shoot as well as a fee I'd want a handfull of uppers, downers, laughers and screamers to put me in the same frame of mind as the patrons - otherwise the whole thing would be intolerable!

[DwightMcCann]

For a night club shoot as well as a fee I'd want a handfull of uppers, downers, laughers and screamers to put me in the same frame of mind as the patrons - otherwise the whole thing would be intolerable!
I would hope you would sell them rather than put them into your body (you know how old fashioned us old guys are!)

[jackies35]

I am sorry I didn't know there was another question....

The frames are solid black and ivory. You just insert the pictures. I do carry a box of these. The other frames have logo(s) and graphics... Ex; WANTED $100,000,000; A WINNING PAIR, BLINK BLINK... ETC...

I have tons of frames... I purchased these from qlt.com, bhphoto, and rpl supplies. Great moneymakers that complete the pictures I sell....

[DwightMcCann]

Thanks, again, for a great tutorial! :-)