What would you charge for this?

I just got a call today from the largest real estate office in town. They are also my BEST client. They are changing their marketing program and they want to have a database of stock images from the neighborhoods around the city. For example, they want shots of all the schools, parks, hiking/biking trails, clubhouses, views, etc.

It was suggested to the owner of the office that I be the photog to do the shots so they would all be consistent. But, I'm really at a loss as to how to charge for this. If I charge what I would to shoot a house, I'll probably lose the gig. I was thinking about a 'per photo' fee. There won't be any need for a trip charge because I will not be making any special trips for just one neighborhood. The plan would be to get a list of all the neighborhoods they want these photos for in specific marketing areas. I could probably shoot over a dozen neighborhoods a day in they are all in the same marketing area. But, one neighborhood may only need 3-4 shots to cover these things, while another may need 20+ shots to cover all these things.

Any suggestions? Do you like the 'per photo' fee approach?

The agents will be able to pull from these photos to add to listings for years. Newer developments will need new photos in the future, but for the most part they can use these images over and over for some time.

Thanks in advance!!

How about a flat rate hourly fee plus travel? You can include the licensing fee of the images in that hourly rate or charge a separate fee for them to license the images for use.

Hmmm....I don't know, that might complicate things but it does give me another option to throw at them. Thanks for the suggestion.

I would think that the first thing you need is a very detailed list of exactly what shot are required. You already have a ballpark idea, but you really should know exactly what every shot will be in advance.

Then figure out how long that will take, including post processing. Figure out a fair hourly rate and you're all set.

You can break that down different ways when it pitch it to them (per photo, per neighborhood, per hour) but it will all add up to the same number you already calculated.

Is it just for the web? Fliers? Signs at bus stops? Local newspaper? If they want to use these other distribution channels, factor that into the price as well. Maybe as separate line items so they specifically see that this is a separate use of the photo? (also, maybe that is an area you can negotiate so they feel like they are getting something when you waive that fee.)

Anyway, however you go about categorizing it for the client, you need to get paid for your time/experience. This is about them making a profit in part by utilizing your work, so you should get paid, too.

good luck!

How did this turn out?

pcunite wrote in post #11199604
How did this turn out?

So far so good. I got them to agree to a per shot fee. As I am out in an area to shoot a home, I will drive around and shoot the parks, hiking/biking trails, etc. We decided to pass on schools....something to do with what they were told by their legal dept.

If I have a really slow day, I go hit a few neighborhoods and take photos. With parks, I can walk out with several images (ball field, play ground, tennis court, skate park, views, etc.). It's really nice when I can combine it with a shoot because I can easily add another $50 to $100 to the shoot and I'm already in the area.

The less profitable side was specific landmarks in town. I found myself driving 30 minutes to get a shot or two....but it all balances out with those neighborhoods where I can make an extra $50 in less than 30 minutes.

TGrundvig wrote in post #11199757
So far so good. I got them to agree to a per shot fee. As I am out in an area to shoot a home, I will drive around and shoot the parks, hiking/biking trails, etc. We decided to pass on schools....something to do with what they were told by their legal dept.

Not intending to take this far off topic, but how is a school any less publicly owned than a park or trail? Public school, of course.

TGrundvig wrote in post #11199757
The less profitable side was specific landmarks in town. I found myself driving 30 minutes to get a shot or two....but it all balances out with those neighborhoods where I can make an extra $50 in less than 30 minutes.

It'll even out.

Are they expecting exclusive use? Could you possibly well them elsewhere to increase your profits?

The issue with the schools has something to do with Fair Housing Act. For example, you call an agent in another city and you say 'we are moving there and I want to see homes near the best schools.' Any agents that takes that request is in violation of the Fair Housing Act because they will intentionally not show you homes in your price range in other school districts. I know, I know, it's stupid, but it's the law.

No, the photos are not exclusive. They are paying for the right to use them but I keep all rights to the images and I can do whatever I want with them. However, it would not be wise on my part to sell them to any other agency. The business I get from this company greatly out weighs the money I would make off selling these other images.

TGrundvig wrote in post #11199813
The issue with the schools has something to do with Fair Housing Act. For example, you call an agent in another city and you say 'we are moving there and I want to see homes near the best schools.' Any agents that takes that request is in violation of the Fair Housing Act because they will intentionally not show you homes in your price range in other school districts. I know, I know, it's stupid, but it's the law.

Interesting. I'm trying to see even a grain of logic behind that, but I cannot. If the buyer's criteria is "best schools", the buyer should get what they desire. Seems like a huge legislative over-reaction.

photoguy6405 wrote in post #11199870
Interesting. I'm trying to see even a grain of logic behind that, but I cannot. If the buyer's criteria is "best schools", the buyer should get what they desire. Seems like a huge legislative over-reaction.

Yea. Falls under the definition of red-lining. Of course theres always doing research and asking for particular zips...