Event Photography

This past weekend I photographed a Motocross race. (well a series of races) I set up a projector and had a slideshow going on during the races, and also had a laptop there for people to sit and view photos. They wrote down the image name they wanted, and the plan is to email them when they are uploaded.

So that was/is the plan.

The owner of the track let me do this on a "trail basis" to see if I like it and if I wanted to come back to do it again. Next time though if I come back, he said he will have to charge me to be there since I am selling prints. To me this sounds kinda backwards... if anyone is getting paid shouldn't it be me since I am offering the service? I am looking for feedback to find out if this is normal. Or better yet, how are events like this usual handled? Thanks!

It's pretty normal... but then again in some places it's normal for the payment to go the other way. Maybe try thinkg of it like this - he's providing the customers, why shouldn't he get something from it?

A flat fee might work in your favor if it's low enough or against you if it's too high. You could try offering a percentage of print sales, or perhaps batering in other ways - what if you provided him free images for PR and adverts, magazines etc? He'd probably usually pay hundreds for that, but it wouldn't cost you too much in time really...

Robert-

You will probably find it more effective to use a web gallery system like SmugMug for proofs and order fullfilment. You can create the gallery before the event and make business cards with the gallery url to pass out at the event. Attendees can then order when ever convenient for them.

It is normal for a business that gives you an event to shoot at to request a portion of the revenue. I would keep as a percentage of sales-say 5-10% so that you do not risk loosing money.

-Scott

dreamcatcher23 wrote in post #7950604
It's pretty normal... but then again in some places it's normal for the payment to go the other way. Maybe try thinkg of it like this - he's providing the customers, why shouldn't he get something from it?

A flat fee might work in your favor if it's low enough or against you if it's too high. You could try offering a percentage of print sales, or perhaps batering in other ways - what if you provided him free images for PR and adverts, magazines etc? He'd probably usually pay hundreds for that, but it wouldn't cost you too much in time really...

I definitely see the other side with them providing the costumers. I think a flat fee would keep it simple as long as it is too much. Bartering images would be fantastic.

sspellman wrote in post #7950613
Robert-

You will probably find it more effective to use a web gallery system like SmugMug for proofs and order fullfilment. You can create the gallery before the event and make business cards with the gallery url to pass out at the event. Attendees can then order when ever convenient for them.

It is normal for a business that gives you an event to shoot at to request a portion of the revenue. I would keep as a percentage of sales-say 5-10% so that you do not risk loosing money.

-Scott

SmugMug is what I use. I am actually in the process of uploading now. I didn't have the galleries created yet, but I did have cards with my website link on it. I also got peoples emails to let them know when they have been uploaded as a reminder.

It's pretty common for the venue to ask to be paid ... they're offering you "exclusive" access to their clientele and event. Typically, you should be "getting paid" by the folks buying your photo prints.

Generally, offering the venue a commission on your sales can be an amicable approach ... the same way a company typically pays commissions to their sales agents that facilitate sales.

Personally, I never pay a flat "fee" to be present, but the commission works nice since payment is contingent on the volume of sales made and you can control your profit margin without needed to worry about covering some steep, up-front cost before hitting a break-even point. Also, it can be incentive for the venue to promote your offering. (provide you with a link on their website, a good location at their venue, maybe a few announcements during the event suggesting people check out the amazing photos you're showing at your booth, etc.)