Whats asking to much?

I get this call from a guy whos handling a comedian coming to my town. They are paying $150 a day for 3 days and needs me a couple of hours a day. Also they said I need to sign a photo release for a work-for-hire so they could have full rights to use the photos. They go on to say "These shots will be used for publicity and might be blown up for newspaper, magazine or DVD artwork purposes." Should I tell them give me more and we got a deal or go with it since it could mean better connections? I have no prob with turning them down but it seems like they are asking more than $150/day worth...

That should be your hourly rate.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #5511473
That should be your hourly rate.

agreed 150 an hour is about right.

Work for Hire means that they OWN the copyright. They don't even have to give you any type of credit when it's used and you cannot do anything with the shots. Get a copy of ASMP Professional Business Practices In Photography 6th ed. It goes into details along with stating that they are opposed to Work for Hire agreements. The person who contacted you is looking for a bargain. I think that the only connection it may lead to is from other people looking for a cheap way to get things done.

Another good explaination can be foud in Best Business Practices For Photographers by John Harrington

thanks a bunch, I thought about it and was thinking thats a retarded offer. Ill counter him with the $150 a hr and if he doesnt want it Ill go on about my way.

that's ridiculous. 3 days shoot, $150.00 for the whole thing? That works out to $50.00/day. I know Walmart Employees who get paid better than that, no offense to those who work at WM.

Your time is worth something to you. 2 hours a day for you to show up, shoot, then you take the raw files home, edit in whatever image program you're using, then burn a low res sample onto a CD for their viewing - that's a lot of work. I'm agreed with the folks above - $150.00 PER hour is what I'd charge for this. Remember, you still got bills to pay, equipment to upkeep, things like that.

I would argue the terms and not just the rate. They might be happy with unlimited usage instead of buying out your copyright, and having something like this in your portfolio is more likely to help you make connections than the shoot its self.

let us know what they say =)

I think the guy trying to hire you is the comedian.

Zan,
He said, "$150 a day for 3 days". Not "$150 fr 3 days". Wasn't a slam


Regards,
Joe W

Zansho wrote in post #5512412
that's ridiculous. 3 days shoot, $150.00 for the whole thing? That works out to $50.00/day. I know Walmart Employees who get paid better than that, no offense to those who work at WM.

Your time is worth something to you. 2 hours a day for you to show up, shoot, then you take the raw files home, edit in whatever image program you're using, then burn a low res sample onto a CD for their viewing - that's a lot of work. I'm agreed with the folks above - $150.00 PER hour is what I'd charge for this. Remember, you still got bills to pay, equipment to upkeep, things like that.

LOL yeah hes the comedian . The price was $150 a day. I sent him a message back letting him know that after taxes, lens rental, gas, and the lack credit it wasn't worth my time and if he could come back with more money I'd reconsider it. Id network like crazy even without credit for the pictures which would get my foot in other doors but that measly $150 a day wont buy me the Alien Bees I want. So I'm waiting for him to reply if he does. Its no sweat off my back I still have jobs to do.