Banquet facility using shots from an event..

[JMW-Photo]

Hey all!

Just curious how you all would handle this. I am kind-of torn.

I recently shot a 50th Anniversary Party. The facility where the event was held had just recently been re-modeled and updated.

Toward the end of the night, the Banquet Manager said that she had noticed me taking shots outside, of the tables, settings, dinner service, etc and asked if she could have the shots since they had just revamped everything.

She did mention that they could give my name out when people inquire, etc., but there is never any guarentee that is really happening and really no way to check up on it.

I'm a little torn because I feel like they are benefitting on someone elses dollar. I was hired to cover the Party, not shoot for the facility. Not to mention, not getting paid by the facility at all either.

So, to give or not to give...that is the question.

Thanks!

Jeff

[stathunter]

I have had similar happen to me. I sold them the photos and worked out an agreement for photo credit and referrals. Personally I like cash better than promises.

[JMW-Photo]

I have had similar happen to me. I sold them the photos and worked out an agreement for photo credit and referrals. Personally I like cash better than promises.

How did you figure out a selling price? Standard print pricing? Higher price with high res CD and rights release?

I TOO like the cash idea better!

[Niraj]

You deserve to be financially rewarded if your work will be used to promote the banqueting suite.

I would also clear it with the couple you shot the 50th Anniversary for. I'm sure they would be happy to share there memories of the day, but just to be certain :)

[cosworth]

She has no intention of gicing out your name. Even if she does, how many times do you think she'll be standing there when the decision to hire a photographer comes up?

Every person that gives photos away kills photography a little bit every day.

[Niraj]

set a price :) you will feel much better about it :)

[Nicole Faith]

I would let her know that you were hired on that day for a specific job for another client, but if she wanted to HIRE you to take photos of the hall specifically for her, then that is fine.

It's just like a referral - you get her information, set up a metting and a date to shoot. Just because you have some shots now doesn't mean she should get them.

[Tommy]

I have to agree here... don't give them away. Either set a price and sell, or get them to hire you for a specific job like Nicole said. ;)

[amonline]

As long as no party guests were in the shots I was willing to offer, I'd still setup some form of fee for their intentions.

I agree - she'll never give out your name, but the secret to ensuring this part is providing a very nice "free" semi-large framed beautiful image they can't resist exhibiting in their restaurant ...one that just happens to have your services watermarked in the corner. ;)

[JMW-Photo]

I'm really inclined to agree here. I might be o.k. with selling them, but I would be MUCH more o.k. with them hiring me to get exactly what they want in conditions that are appropriate for the vision of the end result.

I can always say that the people that hired me to do the event were not at all comfortable with paying me to shoot for the facility.

I think I'll e-mail low res watermarked files to them as examples and let them know that I am available for hire. :-)

[Rick Rosen]

This is a standard protocol in building a referral based studio. I have been presenting images for their use to my venues and wedding planners for many years. The generosity to help them has served my studio by returning strong referral sources which have resulted in most of my business.

Rick

[sochigetto]

Hola - it doesn't hurt to trust that they will mention you as a great photographer. However like someone mentioned - I really don't think they will put their/there/they're neck out to recommend a photographer. If it happens too often at the same place - then be sure to charge. Something similar is happening to me here. I did some photos at a business networking event. One of the sponcors asked for a shot of their booth. I sent them the file. However when I was invited(not hired) to their grand opening and they saw the pictures posted on my site they asked if the could get one of the shots for their company newsletter. I gave that to them also - they are going to post my logo in their business thingy???? I figure two shots are enough free samples. They like my work. I'm going to an event next week by them and let's see what happens when I charge. andy.

[Alexajlex]

Here is the real deal with the service sharing between vendors:
1)It works.
2)It does not work with everyone and some people just will say anything to get some free stuff (can't win them all).
3)It is all about volume. For this type of campaign to work you have to contact more venues.
4)Use the snowball effect to work your way up the ladder to a higher end venue. When you meet with the other venue managers show them the work that you already did.
5)Track your referrals for 6 months or 1 year. Venues, marketing, people are all different so what may work in NY may not work in Chicago.
6) Take care of your #1 referral venue. After you tracked your referrals and you figure out that 1 venue is outperforming all the other venues in the amount of referrals you are getting take care of them. Do some prints, albums whatever they need. Use the snowball effect. Take all the attention and services except for the minimum needed to maintain a relationship that you were giving to the other less performing venues and apply that to your top referral producing venue.