Pricing for high end architectural shoot

A potential client has seem some of my architectural photos. He has a 3 million dollar home and he wants some extensive photography which will probably require at least 8 hours of actual photographing, spanning several days (for the best light). And a considerable amount of time processing HDR’s (realistic HDR’s).

The job would be much more extensive than any other architectural job I’ve done. Any suggestions on a price to quote?

Day rate + processing time.

Depending on your technique, processing time can be half or even as much as the time spent doing the photography. At the very least I'd charge half a day rate for processing.

In my experience, non-corporate clients understand hourly pricing best. I would show a schedule of expected hours on which day, add expected post processing time, add your hours up and multiply by your hourly rate. If there are substantial changes to the schedule or amount of time involved, then your fees can easily be adjusted. You can give discounts by reducing the time without compromising your perceived value. My rate for commissioned work is $250 an hour.

$100hr for photography and $50/hr for processing.

No, he can't buy the photography without the processing; its just a lower hourly rate because your CODB is significantly lower (sitting at the computer at home, not lugging expensive gear around in the July heat and humidity)

I second the two posts above. Also, with some clients it's best to include everything in the same, final price, as they sometimes tend to try to pick and choose from an itemised quote ("just give me the RAWs, I'll have my designer do the post").

Scott Spellman wrote in post #18401328
In my experience, non-corporate clients understand hourly pricing best.

yes and no. They will probably want to know, or you can go in saying something like "$1000 includes all [your list of stuff] and approximately 8 hours of on site photography and 8 hours of editing and print making. I do not get too specific with time, if you get the shot list complete faster it does not mean less money in your pocket.

be very specific about what you are going to shoot and the number of shots to be provided. Include timing and insist that the property be kept ready to shoot at a moments notice during the potential work period.

If they screw something up, you have the right to charge more.

Alveric wrote in post #18401336
I second the two posts above. Also, with some clients it's best to include everything in the same, final price, as they sometimes tend to try to pick and choose from an itemised quote ("just give me the RAWs, I'll have my designer do the post").

exactly!

Thanks to everyone for the replies! It really helps to hear what you all think about it!
The more I think about it after reading what you have all said, I think hourly may be the way to go, especially since what the client said and showed me when I met him at his place, made it seem a bit "open ended", and he could keep wanting me to come back over and over again to capture photos during sunsets, and from a boat, etc (the property is on a lake).

Thanks again!

KatManDEW wrote in post #18401395
Thanks to everyone for the replies! It really help to hear what you all think about it!
The more I think about it after reading what you have all said, I think hourly may be the way to go, especially since what the client said and showed me when I met him at his place, made it seem a bit "open ended", and he could keep wanting me to come back over and over again to capture photos during sunsets, and from a boat, etc (the property is on a lake).

Thanks again!

i would strongly suggest not having an open ended deal.

at the very least, establish a working relationship with him on the first job and work from there.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18401403
i would strongly suggest not having an open ended deal.

at the very least, establish a working relationship with him on the first job and work from there.

I like that idea. I've decided to offer two packages, with details on maximum time, what is to be photographed and delivered, and the option to work from there for additional time/work at $150 per hour, which is the rate used for each of the packages.

I'll ley you all know how it goes. Thanks again!

BTW: I didn't get the job. The client apparently went with a drone photographer. I've seen some of the photos and they are dreadful.

I would be prepared for the call to fix what the first person shot. Sometimes, a potential client can only see the price tag and not the quality.

Price tag and/or stylish factor. One can sux stylishly too.