HELP Invoicing Client For RAW File Processing & JPG File

[GHO64]

HELP Invoicing Client For RAW File Processing & JPG File Corrections

When I shoot a Film Job, I have no problem billing the client separately for Purchasing & Processing The Film. However, when I shoot Digital, the client seems to think that Processing and correcting the JPF Files should be included in my day rate.

Any Suggestions on how to write the invoice or Creative Billing that makes the digital processing a separate charge would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

gho64

[slin100]

I've seen this discussed in a few other forums. Here's one article (http://www.sportsshooter.com/news_story.html?id=883) I came across.

You also might want to check out the PRO digital corner (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/27) forum over at Fred Miranda's site (www.fredmiranda.com) and the numerous pro-oriented (e.g. Wedding, Sports, Event and Commercial/Advertising and Industrial) forums at Rob Galbraith's site (www.robgalbraith.com). Doing a search for "Day Rate" might be a good starting point.

[IndyJeff]

Explain that as film cost and processing plus printing was always added on to the day rates, digital processing is just an added cost that is passed on. I had one client who didn't seem to think that this was all that much. When I told them I was on site for 3 1/2 hours but spent 3 additional hours processing and editting he said he didn't realize that much time was involved. I only charge $40 per hour on the processing so it wasn't that much extra.

[evilenglishman]

it depends on if they actually need any image processing from you.
My clients do any image processing themselves before publishing.
Most magazines/newspapers etc will do any processing themselves.

[robertwgross]

It can be tough to quantify post processing time.

First of all, there are rough computer tasks such as RAW to TIF conversion. Those take time on the computer, but it is only computer time and not human time. You load a file list and let it rip. You come back later after coffee and see if it is done yet.

Then there are creative human tasks, perhaps in Photoshop. That takes a trained eye. Dodge a little here. Burn a little there. Creative time should be expensive.

---Bob Gross---