Newby Pricing questions: Motorsports Picture for promos.

[MadTony]

I need help. I took a lot of pictures at a local go-kart race, and one of the teams approached me asking about usage of the picture in romotional pamphlets. They were not sure what their sponsor wanted exactly, so I did not give them an exact quote. But from what they mentioned, there were a few options:

They might be using it on a webpage.

They want to use it in a pamphlet (along with pictures of other teams they sponsor.) I don't know how large the distribution is.

They might use it in presentations.


Sounds to me like we are talking about unlimited usage rights to this image. What should I be asking in terms of pricing and conditions? What would an appropriate price breakdown be in terms of $x for the web, $y for the pamphlets, $z for the presentations? Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks for all help offered!

[PhotosGuy]

This might help:
http://photographersindex.com/price-adv-calc.htm

[tim]

That price calculator always give really high prices, often far more than i'd think about charging, so I don't find it very useful. I find often people would rather have a bad photo they take themselves with their P&S camera than a great photo that cost more.

[defordphoto]

That calculator is okay for true Pro pricing. This is not such a case.

Those Karters will have no money. They are backyard racers and put all their money into their cars. Unless you get lucky and run into a team that has a rich Mommy and Daddy, you're just looking at peanuts for photo use. The standard pro prices will scare them silly and then you'll see Grandpa out there the next weekend with his new 3.x mp point and shoot.

They'll be looking for the $5-$10 range.

[GenEOS]

I would ditto RFM, except I would add that more than karters are cheap and will not spend money on photos. I don't get the logic. I have seen on many occasions, possible clients complaining about a $6 4x6 or a $20 8x10 and then show up the next race/event with a $900 p-n-s and then come ask you why their shots do not come out like mine.

I hate to say this, but I have almost given up at trying to, at the least, break even shooting motorsports at the amateur/low levels. I cannot even make expenses on a typical day at the drag races...there just is not a demand for it.

But everyone wants me to post the images, so they can try and copy them. Most want you to just email them the file...."It's digital right, that doesn't cost you anything"....

Promoters are not willing to pay for coverage for their websites...they want free pics for access.. (i guess too many are doing it for access).. Advertisers will pay, but those clients are few and far between at the amateur level.

Maybe this is digressing, but I would try to get what you can for your work and decide if it is worth it to you keep doing it.

[Jon, The Elder]

Unfortunately - GENEos is right. At least in the horse show venues.
Just about everything said is true there also.
They can't seem to understand that it is not the lousey print they're paying for. Sure there is some material cost involved but basically they are buying that one split second of time that can never be duplicated - and it is just the RIGHT split second !

[Bosscat]

I have seen on many occasions, possible clients complaining about a $6 4x6 or a $20 8x10 and then show up the next race/event with a $900 p-n-s and then come ask you why their shots do not come out like mine.


Maybe cause you have a really good camera???

All kidding aside, great pictures don't just happen, they are made through knowledge, timing, and good equipment.