First Potential Client Question

[InfraRed]

Hey,

This is my first post in this section, usually I spend my time in the transportation section :P.

Anyways,

A local auto shop is interested in purchasing some prints of mine of cars they have worked on as decoration for their shop. I have a friendly relationship with the owners of the shop and almost feel uncomfortable charging them, although I feel I deserve to get some sort of profit.

The owner has asked me to give pricing on 3 prints each 16x20 and framed. Usually I go to Ritz Camera to get my prints done and the pricing there for a 16x20 is 18.99 (+tax), and the cheapest frame is 6.99 (+tax).

So I think roughly that came to be about $75-80.

To me, that doesn't leave much room for me to add a profit for myself without it seeming to them like I am charging them alot.

These are the pictures in question:

1. (this one came out amazing when printed)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1355/1465275471_b55b534789_o.jpg

2. (i'm not even fond of this shot, but they want it)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/1466129386_ec874a7c95_o.jpg

3.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1169/1348713647_3e09d2af94_o.jpg


Any advice and input on how to price this out would be soooooo appreciated.


Also one more question. I am currently attending Full Sail, which is an advanced technology school, and am pursuing a Graphic Design degree. I am in a position right now where I am about to be withdrawn and was considering getting a degree in Photography so i can make my hobby I love so much into my Profession.

Any advice on that would be greatly appreciated also.


Thank you SOO Much, and sorry for the long post!

-Jake

[michael_]

for 3 prints i wouldnt charge any less than say $350, dont sell yourself short

[InfraRed]

Wow! 3500 seems like ALOT!

What exactly makes the value of the images?

I'm just starting off as a 'photographer', and have only been getting serious about it for approximately 6 months now. I'm interesting in starting a potential career and start selling images locally to start off. I guess I was really low balling myself?

[michael_]

oops hahah $350 lol sorry

[Mike R]

Exposure Manager charges $11.95 for a 16x20 and Mpix charges 15.95
The quality from both is excellent.

[InfraRed]

Great! Thank you for the help and correcting that price for me.

Also, is it worth spending the extra money on the metallic paper?

Anyone else who would like to chime in, it would be greatly appreciated :)

[Livinthalife]

Nice pics, what's the camber angle on the rear wheels on pic 3?

congrats on selling a few images! :) $350-(80*3)=110. You don't think $110 is worth your time and effort? Go to a local photostudio, and see what they charge for ONE 16x20. the studio I had worked at charges $85.50 for each which is a tad less. But think about the time you were out there shooting the cars, the money you have invested into your gear, computer, programs...that all comes at a cost. BUT since they are friends of yours...maybe give them some leadway, but that's your call. I would help my friends out, but be sure not to LOSE any money in this ordeal. Good luck, be sure to let us know what you make out of it!

[InfraRed]

Thanks again for all of the great advice. The camber isn't that bad in person haha. It definitely has negative camber but the Tokina 12-24 really exploited it and turned it much worse than it is.

I will let you guys know what happens. I'm not sure what to expect in response once they find out my price. In the original message to me the woman there said they were looking at "eBay posters" before asking me. So we shall see!

-Jake

[Livinthalife]

ebay huh...Well ebay offers "real gold bars" for the price of 9.99!

I hope they come to their senses!

[michael_]

Great! Thank you for the help and correcting that price for me.

Also, is it worth spending the extra money on the metallic paper?

Anyone else who would like to chime in, it would be greatly appreciated :)

metallic paper is unbeleivable, i had some shots printed on it and its just WOW!!!! I have them as examples to show clients and so far they have all gone for metallic, but i really think it depends on the image as to what paper style you decide.

[PhotosGuy]

Usually I go to Ritz Camera to get my prints done Well, they've never made a print I liked here & their prices are high vs. Costco. And, you have seen this, right?
A few Car Lighting Tips - Updated (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70290)
Matting & framing is...
1/ Very subjective. Make sure that he agrees with your choices.
2/ I sent the guys to a frame shop. So I can get relatively more for the prints & they get a pro job on the framing.
3/ For a local auto shop, big vinyl prints might be a good choice.
http://www.wallhogs.com/

[InfraRed]

Well I have been speaking to the client for most of the day, showing her my revisions of the posters she would like.

This is what I came up with:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/1498391657_a40119c06e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/1498836688_5034235d3c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/1498118676_daef113650_o.jpg

I asked her what her budget was and she replied with "ummm 250...is that enough?" I said yes, 250 is fine. She also mentioned an additional commission for myself on top of that, so in all I think I did pretty well for my first time!

EDIT: forgot to add the additional black border on the last one..that is just for printing/framing purposes

Thanks for all help :)

[michael_]

wokred out well and they looks great

[InfraRed]

thanks alot michael!