event fees! do we pay them?

[cc1]

hi iv just started my own business, and have been asked about a a coporate event. so i was wondering do they pay us for being there or should we pay them a fee for using there premises? please help!!:confused:

[ryant35]

You start a business to actually make money, so no don't pay them for the privilege of working for them.

Now if you are referring to selling photos instead of charging for your time, people at corporate events don't really want pictures of themselves at work functions as much as personal parties. You will also need to setup a website to sell photos from, and then you need business cards to get people to to visit your site after the event.

I would charge the company a flat rate for my time & a CD of the photos. If they want prints, work that into your price to cover time & material to get the printed. Cost plus small percentage and time to and from the lab. If they want an album, charge time for that too.

[DDCSD]

Welcome to POTN!!!

It really depends on the situation. What kind of event is it? What kind of service are you providing at the event? How do you see yourself making money by doing this event? Will you be taking candids of people? Will you have a portrait booth set up? Are you providing the host with images?

I only negotiate a set event fee if there is a potential for some very high profits or if it means getting a job that I wouldn't be able to get otherwise (and want). When I shoot a small sports tourney, I might give a donation to the league but I don't give them a percentage and I don't promise them anything and don't even bring it up if they don't ask specifically. If I end up making a good amount of money, I'll send them a check that I think is appropriate.

Now, if I was asked to do an event and I didn't think I was going to make enough money for it to be worth it through sales, I would certainly ask to be paid.

[WillMass]

Depends. What's your contract say?

[5x5 photography]

The way I work is the person requested me to take the photographs pay any fees that it would take to get me in the door.

[Karl Johnston]

Sounds kind of ridiculous you would have to pay a fee. If you do, make amends to your rate to include it.

[tpanchana]

If you get invited to take pictures of the event then of course they should pay you.

[Nightstalker]

This all depends on how you are planning to make money off the event.

If you are shooting to sell prints / disc on the day or via the internet then they may want a fee from you for the "rights" to be at the event.

If you are selling them your time and providing prints / CD of images within the contract - i.e. you are not selling on the day, then you should be paid.

In short it all depends on what you agree with them.

How do you want to make money from this event?

[Alleh]

Woohoo! Congratulations on your new business venture.

From the looks of it you have a pretty good head on your shoulders.

Good luck!