My first paid shoot, for a local car dealer...

Nothing spectacular, but I'm excited to finally get paid for something nonetheless

I gave the client five different color "styles" to choose from, that's why they're so varied. Critiques welcome!

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/3dzukini/545028​5838/

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They look great congrats on making some dough in the process!

Thanks! It's not a lot of dough, but I'll take anything to fund this crazy expensive habit!

I wonder what he's using them for? See the links in my Sig, and...

I think they plan on using them on their web site and maybe in print ads or something. I still need to shoot a few more cars for them.

well done they look great!

Thanks big_d! I got an email back that they were happy and I'll be shooting another car soon

they look great. except the one with the visibly dirty snow, im a little turned off by that.

Fat Buff Guy wrote in post #11854927
they look great. except the one with the visibly dirty snow, im a little turned off by that.

Thanks, lol, I was expecting that comment right away! It's a mess everywhere here right now and they wanted to get their shots up soon because they're opening a new location and re-vamping their web site. I tried to draw the eye away from it, but in the 4th photo it's pretty obvious, lol. Strangely enough, they liked 1, 3 and 4 the most. I took some shots of a Ford Edge for them today, we'll see how those turn out when I get home

yeah, props to you though. It would be extremely tough to shoot something here, anywhere, with out getting the dirty snow. its just a hard time of year.

Here's the shots from today, I kind of feel they didn't turn out as good as yesterday, but might be because I like the bridge location better

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/3dzukini/545283​7042/

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The truck shoot turned out better because of the location. It's a tough truck in a tough environmental scene. Just what you'd expect to see. Nicely done, except for the dirty snow image.

The Edge shoot looks goofy because of the BGs. Especially the last one, that basketball hoop and pole are not great. And all the empty trees, partial snow and chain link fences are very distracting. I know if you had your choice you'd love to do this in the summer, but they need the shots now. I do like the colors of the dragon wall in the last shot, but agin, the half snow, half dead grass is funky. Tough time of the year to shoot outside shots.

I too am working with a local Ford dealership. We are working on getting some new shots of the "Car Candy" line of tarted up Mustangs and Shelby's that they do. I work on the TV spots, but the woman in charge of advertising knows I shoot stills and has asked me to see what can be done with scenes around the dealership as well as looking into going to an off site studio location where I can totally control the light and reflections.

Good luck with the paid gig!

Congratulations.

Thanks ChasWG, I think if I had more time and I were able to track down a playground with kids playing or something I could improve the Edge images. I hope they're happy with them, but I don't feel too bad about rushed photoshoots on my lunch break, lol! The person from this used dealer is actually someone I went to high school with and she contacted me after seeing some of my images on Facebook. She asked what I would charge to get some good images for their dealership and I could probably come up with a half dozen decent images for about $150. After a couple of shoots, with a couple more to go to get the shots she wants, I realize I may have quoted a little low... But I'm enjoying the experience regardless and she will probably send me more business later.

Your shooting sounds a lot more interesting, a real shoot with hot new cars and a real studio setup, sounds like a lot of fun!!! I'm a little jealous, hopefully I'll get there someday!

Hey, a paid gig is a paid gig! Do a couple more for her to get more experience and then tell her that you'll have to raise your price as it takes time to get great shots. It looks like you're heading down the right path to be a free lancer. Something I know a lot about. I've been a free lance sound mixer for the past 18 years. And there are times when you just have to bite the bullet and get paid what you're worth. Even in a bad economy people with pay for good service. And people respect you more when you ask and get what you need to be paid. But you need to gauge your own situation for yourself.

I recently did a video shoot for a new client and charged them the same that I charge everyone else for what I do. About half way through the day I was talking to some of the other crew members that have been working for these people for a long time. The subject of money came up and while I didn't say what I was charging the client, I was told by them that if I wanted to continue to work for these people that I would have to conceed a little as these guys are very particular and "you need to walk around here as if you're on egg shells." To which I said, "Huh? I always charge every client the same for the same great service." They said, "Well do what you want, but I dought you'll be back."

Guess what? I've got two more days booked for them next week, at my standard day rate. I bring state of the art audio gear to the job and a bunch of real world experience to what I do. And they push me hard too. But I always prevail. There is no other choice. People are counting on me to come through with the clear sound for their video productions. I can't just say, "Well that's it. I can't do any better." or "It can't be done."

My first job with them was a real tough one that pushed me and my gear to the limit. But I won the day and that is why they called me back and pay what I ask. Nothing outrageous, but not cheap either. I'm worth what I ask.

You can get there too I bet!