Architectural Photography Pricing Question (UK).

[Mike-DT6]

I am very interested in getting into architectural photography with the goal of turning it into an occupation.

Putting aside every other aspect of the discipline, could someone who knows about this possibly give me an idea of how architectural photographers charge for their work (per photo, per hour, per day?), and possibly a typical rate that might be charged for excellent quality work, so as not to undervalue or overvalue the servce.


Thanks very much,

Mike

:-)

[jaypie77]

My experience: a set per-day fee + a per photo fee + usage.

[Mike-DT6]

Thanks for your reply :-) This is quite a difficult to judge as there doesn't seem to be anyone in my area offering this service.

Mike

:-)

[bunyarra]

My experience: a set per-day fee + a per photo fee + usage.

Depends - rates are all over the place. Day rates here are £400-500. 1/2 day £200-250. Sometimes this includes basic editing and rights, others charge a per photo processing and usage fee.

And, of course, so much depends on the client and their budget. Most will want far more of your time than they are willing to pay for - the day photography fee is usually swallowed but the concept of paying for 40+ images to be processed can take some persuasion.

Local architects in my area look for a flat rate fee to include images and processing. PR firms are a different matter.

[Mike-DT6]

Thanks Michael, that's a great help. :-)

When you say 'rights', is that copyright? Is it commonplace to give away copyright for this kind of work?

Thanks

Mike

:-)

[bunyarra]

Thanks Michael, that's a great help. :-)

When you say 'rights', is that copyright? Is it commonplace to give away copyright for this kind of work?

Thanks

Mike

:-)

No, never give away copyright unless you are in a "time for work contract" - Magazines tend to want those type of contracts as they resell images. The rights is permission to use the images in specific ways ; magazines, editorial, PR, leaflets, in-house mags. You should in your contract always keep copyright and not transfer it to the client.

Some people sell images for specific uses on the basis that a good photo in a high-end magazine should be worth more than one for an in-house newsletter. Your mileage will vary with local conditions and the client's budget. Of the 2 last jobs, one was not rights limited and one was.

[Floriantrojer.com]

How good are you?

That's the main question you first have to answer. Charging is too diverse otherwise. One may charge $300 a day while another may charge $3000 for the same work.

All about how valuable your time and work is.

[Mike-DT6]

Thank you both for your replies. :-)

I really do need to learn more about usage rights and find some typical examples, as might be used in connection with architectural work. I have had a look around via Google but haven't had much luck yet.

Florian, that's yet to be determined. I wouldn't consider this if I didn't have the confidence to be good at it, but I don't really know anything about the business side of it, so I would like to get a good idea of what the going rate is, based on the average everyday architectural photographer. If I had an idea of that then I would be in a better position to value my work.

Nothing is going to happen for me without a portfolio anyway, which I have yet to compile, so first things first I suppose.

Thanks

Mike

:-)