oh man, I'm one of *those* people

[kja]

I just got hired to shoot a big jam session with a musician who will be having some guests along with his band. He will also be playing 10 different instruments (not at the same time ;) ). He wants images of every instrument in action plus the usual individual and group shots. He wants the shots to use for all of his promo - web, print, cd insert etc.

The venue is outside, at night and the only lighting will be stage lighting in various colours and brightness as the gig goes on. No flash is permitted. The stage is on grass and it's all flat with the world's ugliest background (which I don't think will matter as it will be dark and/or I believe they are going to drop a big banner over) I'm pretty confident on the shooting part so far and am reading and taking in as much as I can to try to be as prepared as possible.

I have not been able to find any information on pricing, though. I know it's all relative to location and popularity etc but I was hoping for some sort of guideline for thinking about actual numbers and getting my act together. Clearly he will need the high res images along with printing & promo rights. The only jobs I've done with those terms are for a corporation with whom I have a long term commitmen, so while it gives me some ideas, I just am not sure what's done in the music community.

Anyhoo - any tips, tricks or tidbits you would like to offer on shooting or pricing & terms would be great.

[Rock Photo Star]

You've never shot a concert before, particularly non-flash concert, and you've taken on a paid "mission critical" [i.e. high profile event that client appears to have some clear expectations of shots he wants you to get - that you can't miss]?

Is that the situation?

p.s. at least your gear list indicates you got the gear to do it

[kja]

Yes and no. I have worked with this musician before and we both are confident in my abilities. He is very clear that I have not done this sort of shoot final promo product oriented before but I have shot him & other musicians in similar, less well lit scenarios. I am, frankly, not that worried about getting him what he needs. I know I will have to work hard at it, but I am confident in that part of the equation.

I was hoping to be able to offer him more than he is looking for and that's why I posted asking for any help or pointers. I appreciate that there is a wealth of knowledge here and I also appreciate the time you all take to help others along in their photography.

He will also want a lot more publication rights etc than I usually deal with and was hoping for some insight, there,too.

I fully understand that I have zero experience compared to quite a few of you here and that you may be thinking "oh **** another CWC who thinks she can just wander in and do it". That isn't me - I would not take on a project I wasn't able to produce for. Will I take over lead tog at Rolling Stone magazine afterwards, most likely not, but my client WILL be happy :)

[blackshadow]

I suggest you charge a fee of $x per hour and then a license fee for the images he decides to use. The license fee will vary depending on the exact use he wants for each image. Make the license fee for 2 years and with an option for him to renew the licenses once they expire (probably at about half the fee for the original license).

Make sure you agree to T&C before the shoot.

[kja]

Thanks, Black. We are getting together later this week to discuss everything so no worries there, I don't do anything without the paperwork ;) Appreciate your suggestions.

[Jim G]

All of the CD stuff I've done for bands before has been based on an hourly rate + fee for licensing/usage. I've also had responses from bands where people think that my prices are ridiculously cheap followed by others who think they're 10x what they were expecting to pay... bands have very different ideas as to what things are worth so being upfront about prices and having it clearly laid out in the contract has always been a big help to me.

I'll PM you a story with some details about one of my early CD covers, it's a bit long-winded for here :p