What to charge for a car photo shot?

[oscarl62]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but here goes, I have been ask by a gentleman to shoot his exotic car and some of his friends exotic also, they are willing to pay for the shoot. my question is what should I charge them? should I charge them per 100 shots, per HR.? I have no clue. this will include Photoshop of the
photos also. Any help would be great. thanks everyone for your time. have a great weekend

[Deanphoto]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but here goes, I have been ask by a gentleman to shoot his exotic car and some of his friends exotic also, they are willing to pay for the shoot. my question is what should I charge them? should I charge them per 100 shots, per HR.? I have no clue. this will include Photoshop of the
photos also. Any help would be great. thanks everyone for your time. have a great weekend


Depends on what they intend to use the images for really. If it's just for personal use then charge around £75-£125, plus expenses. If it's for advertising use, charge them whatever the hell you like :)

It all depends on how confident you are with you're your work. What are they worth??

[PhotosGuy]

Lunch money (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=110296)

Question on automobile shoots (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1117717)

[oscarl62]

thanks thats alot of info. will help a ton. this is some of my work, what do you think?
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/oscarl62/SuperCar%20Weekend/IMG_2257.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/oscarl62/SuperCar%20Weekend/IMG_2337copy.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r254/oscarl62/SuperCar%20Weekend/IMG_2390copy.jpg

[scotthidley]

If those are the cars you'll be shooting, charge a lot. Those people think they get what they pay for. If they like it, you'll get some more business, and already have a preset price. Maybe propose a session for up to 2 hours for whatever. Say maybe you'd charge 500 per car, but as they're a group, you'll make it 300 or something. I'm just throwing numbers out, but figure how much they spend just on maintenance, price really isn't an issue. Part of why they buy those cars is because most people can't afford them.

[lovecolt]

Seriously, given for me, i will let the owners of these cars to determine how much they will pay after i show them your final pics. Looking at your work, i would say you might still need to build up on your portfolio.

Nevertheless, i would say you are very lucky to be approached by these people. I would kill to do a photoshoot session for free with those cars.

[oscarl62]

I was talking to the guy that does the detailing for them, he goes to there house and can spend any where from 6 to 8 hours cleaning there cars and some times as much as 2 days. he told me he charges $600 to $1200 dollars per car. depending how dirty it is. hey thanks for the feed back everyone its really great help. i need to work my my water mark too. thanks.

[MG30D]

I don't really have much experience in this....However, from what I have read, don't charge by the hour. Charge by the day.

Just think, it may take an hour (probably longer) to shoot the cars, but what about the preparation, the gas, the drive, the time, the editing/processing.....you get the point. ;)

Plus, you don't have to argue about how much time it takes to get the images you want. With a clear set price, they know what terms they will be agreeing to.

I'd recommend doing a search in the business section, where there is more info on pricing. :)

[MG30D]

Seriously, given for me, i will let the owners of these cars to determine how much they will pay after i show them your final pics.

There response: "Free" :lol:

Don't do that! But, just because they are "rich", I wouldn't gouge them...they'll know what your up too. Again check the business section, and take in to consideration your level of experience.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=23

[VorteC]

Judging by those pics, I think you still need some work to do before you can charge higher amounts. Knowing that they are wealthy people, you can charge higher amounts but at the same time they will have a very high standard. Make sure you take their cars somewhere with least amount of reflections and a classy but not distracting background. Bring alot of equipment so they think they're getting their money's worth.

And $600-1200 per detail isn't THAT high. Most millionaires will pay thousands for a good detail.

[PhotosGuy]

what do you think?
#1: You have someones reflection in the side of the car.
#2: You have someones car in the side of the car & trees in the hood.
#3: You have text in the front/top of the car.

[oscarl62]

true, but these were taken at a car show. thats why all the reflection on the cars. these are not photos to sell owners.

[scotthidley]

true, but these were taken at a car show. thats why all the reflection on the cars. these are not photos to sell owners.
Reflections don't just appear at car shows.

[monstar]

I would take more pictures before charging anyone.

[PhotosGuy]

true, but these were taken at a car show. thats why all the reflection on the cars. these are not photos to sell owners. Well, you asked, "this is some of my work, what do you think?", so I told you.

[scotthidley]

Well, you asked, "this is some of my work, what do you think?", so I told you.

I wish I'd get this many responses when I asked.

[grphx]

Be sure to tell them they have to give you a ride to the location ; )

I'd kill to ride in one of those. PM me for details haha. I kid.

[Mrselfdestruct]

I have no idea how much you should charge, but your pictures look great. I love the B&W background, makes those cars stand out a lot!

[oscarl62]

Thanks for everyones help. and i ride in then is a given. i am making friend with the local exotic car guys in my area and a meet that i am helping with once a month. it any one is in the south florida area and would like to come leave me a note and i will tell you where it is. thanks agen everyone
you have need most helpful. Oscar

[kona77]

oscarl62,

Minor details can make or break your potential relationship with these people. If done correctly you may have a great niche with these people and their friends. Wealthy people love to talk up their assets and really like having something to show for them. They didn't get where they are because they did not pay attention.

I don't want to nit pick but first you need to brush up on spelling errors while posting. You would not want to make this type of mistake while corrosponding with your potential clients.

As others here have stated, these types of individuals are accustomed to paying more for a higher quality product so you must deliver.

I would take your time and not rush into anything. I would recommend looking at as many cars shot threads at POTN because they have some expert advice attached to them.

Take notes, write down tips, etc. Then go out and shoot. PhotosGuy spoke on other threads about shooting with one small card so you have to make every shot count. Take your time and analyze your photos as if you are the "Nit Picky" client. Tear your photo apart so you don't make the same mistake on a money shoot. If you ask for quality constructive criticism you will get it in a professional manner.

There is nothing like talking with a wealthy potential customer with confidence, it will show. Then shoot the car with confidence.

Good Luck

[GA_Teg]

^ Couldn't have said it better.

Practice, even if it is with your own car to learn lighting, angles, what does/doesn't work.

[Jamie Holladay]

FWIW fotoquote (http://fotoquote.com/) is your friend

[scotthidley]

What part of Southern Florida? I have a friend in Miami that I might visit sometime, so maybe I could squeeze in one of those meets.

[oscarl62]

the event is a once a month gathering. this time it will be in North Miami on the 30th of this month. I would like to continue to thank everyone for your advise
on this post. I will take my time and try to gather as much information as I can, this forum is full of knowledgeable people with great advise. thanks agene.

[siddr20]

howd you get the background black n white and the car in colour? lol

photoshop? if so how? thanks

im starting to learn pp

[PhotosGuy]

background black n white and the car in colour? Start with this: Selecting areas in PS. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39994)