Event coverage... 3-4 days?

Hey guys

I was recently approached to cover an event that would span approx 3-4 days, but is not set in stone as of now.

I have never covered anything that extensive before, and I was not able to provide a "quote" of how much I should charge. I told them I would get back to them in a few days.

I am fully aware that I should charge however I feel my images are worth, BUT I dont even have a ballpark range to go off of. All I was told was that I would be fed (important part being a college kid :P), and would have everything paid for on top of whatever rate I charged as long as it was within their budget, I believe they are also considering another photog at this point in time.

Can anyone shine some light in my direction? I plan to step up my camera from XTi soon, and depending on how large of an event this is, I may have to invest in some bigger strobes as i dont think 3-4 speedlites will cut it.

Thanks

ps. i did read the sticky up top :P but i am truely clueless

"Event" is little too vague to really help, but how about $500 alll in? Then you could trade your Xti for a 50D?

haha well, i think its something along the lines of a family gathering.

Eryk-

For events, I find it best to charge by the hour. I charge $200, but you might start with a more reasonable $50. Charging by the hour will force your client to think about the assignment and only bring you in for the most important parts. When you have a flat fee-you will certainly be there for far longer than is interesting.

For that fee, I provide pictures on CD for personal use by the client. I charge extra to setup a web gallery for distribution and prints of pictures. With any photography assignment, I require a 50% deposit to confirm the date.

Im not sure why you think you need strobes unless you will have a temp space for location portraits. 1 or more flashes should work well with proper planning.

Good Luck-
Scott

I'm covering an event in March in San Francisco and it's lasting 2 days. I'm getting paid to be flown there from MA...paid for my hotel (7 days!) and food...ontop of that i get 1500 dollars...

Well.. I'm surprised no one has said it yet, considering it is that obvious..

ASK THEM WHAT THEIR BUDGET IS! Lol. There is no point racking your brain for a price, telling them, and them going "Oh, no, no, no!" -- Ask them what budget they have set aside for the day and you will do your best to work it into that budget. If they are serious, they'll be upfront and tell you they have XXX.XX set aside.

Otherwise they're just playing games and trying to get the cheapest deal out of you.. Which in any case, I wouldn't waste my time with.