Question on shooting church function [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

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-Justin-

7th of November 2007 (Wed), 12:25

Okay so I received a phone call yesterday from a woman and she wanted me to shoot a church function that her and her husband are putting on. Basically what I got from her was that she wanted me to take pictures of each person or couple as they entered and then give them the option of purchasing the pictures. She also mentioned that she would like me to possibly walk around and take pictures of the event going on. This isn't a church service type deal, it's more of a function/party kind of thing from what I understand. Now the capacity for the place is 300 people and she said she's expecting around 150, and there will also be a band there.
I guess my question would be:
What's the best way to sell the pictures to the people?
Should I charge a flat hourly rate or a rate for the entire evening?
On another note, I was thinking of opening an account with exposure manager. Seems that you guys have nothing but good things to say about them. That way all I would have to do is give them my card and tell them to go online and purchase the picture.
I am currently working with a Canon 20D, 24-70 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/4L, 15mm fisheye, and 550EX flash. Do I need to possibly consider renting lighting? I was thinking that I would be fine with just the 550EX.
I just don't want to do all this work and get shafted because 90% of the people don't want to buy their picture, that's why I was thinking of charging the flat rate.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Dchemist

7th of November 2007 (Wed), 13:00

I would be interested in the purpose of the event as well as why does your client want to have the photos taken in the first place. You need the answers to both. Dennis

klynam

7th of November 2007 (Wed), 16:29

-Justin-

I just went through something like this. Read my latest post:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=403774

Definitely get the flat rate - period, end of discussion.

Then ALSO offer the photos for sale online. If the person who hired you gripes about double-dipping or something, let them know you have NO guarantees anyone will buy anything. Maybe even offer a small commission (5%-10%) on the sales. But dont back that out of your fee. Pay that back to them 15 days later after the orders (if any) have died down a little.

If you're going to do this, signup for Exposure Manager today and get your pages looking the way you like before the event. I use them. On the whole they are great for service and quality. Their site is not as customizable as some others, but their prices are great.

Print up new cards with your EM site address and hand them out to everyone as you shoot them, and put one on every car window in the parking lot before you leave.

A single 550EX will work for decent "party pics" but not for portraits. There's a lot on here about a portable studio, but I wont go there unless you think you need that.

Flat fee + online sales, or dont do it - unless you just want the experience...

-Justin-

8th of November 2007 (Thu), 07:13

thank you guys very much for the information.
I decided to turn it down.
I feel that I am not quite ready to shoot something of this nature and also they are not wanting to pay me a flat rate. She is wanting me to get paid strictly off of my sales.
So I respectfully declined.
Thanks again everyone

klynam

8th of November 2007 (Thu), 09:55

Turning down - like breaking up - is hard to do, especially early on. I've found (in both photography, advertising, and desing businesses) many clients who want to engage me "betting on the come." At first I took them up on it, but almost never made money. In fact, I can't think off-hand of even once I made money. Now I've learned, if the project isn't worth enough for them to invest in, it darn sure aint worth me investing in.

Be encouraged and keep after it Justin...and keep us posted.

Dchemist

8th of November 2007 (Thu), 14:33