another what should i charge post...

Hi, im really not sure what to do here... I work in a big retail store and they want me to photograph the whole Christmas party and pay me. Thing is, it's the whole district that will be there and there will be approx 4-500 persons there to photograph. They want CD's separated by stores present there.

How should i charge considered this is my day job that want to pay me for a side job? Also, should I charge by cd or time spent in post prod? Or both?

Also what about my camera usage? what would be the rate for that?


I need your suggestions. Thanks

I have always been a fan of taking the time you think it will take to do the shoot, the editing, making the CD's, driving around, any prints, etc... and adding it all up. Decide what rate you want to pay yourself for that time, and that is a good starting point. Then you have to count up all your overhead, your equipment, computers, software, marketing time, website costs, etc... I personally take all of those overhead items, estimate how long they will last, and then spread that cost to each job on top of the direct costs of my time, prints, gas, etc... I have a nice spreadsheet so that I can come up with a custom price for any job on in a matter of seconds.

If you offered, then you're in it to win it (or lose it).

Otherwise, you might want to politely decline and join the party instead.

It's going to be a tough gig.

yea tough indeed.. I don't mind not enjoying the party lol im not a party animal but usually i don't ask this question. they actually asked me witch is good considered that we sell cameras at this retail store and im pretty sure there is other good photogs that work for the company and can do it..but the only thing is i dont want to give a ridicule price (both ways) that could either afect my day job or make me lose money...

kristy i'm trying to make a spreadsheet on exel to have an idea on what to charge...it would come up at 700$ @ 50$/hour

I calculated 5h for the shooting, 2 hours for selection, 4 hours for photoshop, and 3 hours for the cd's. Do you guys think it's enough or 4 hours for editing is to low? I don't even know how many photo i will end up taking. And how many cd's will be required (cd are paid by the company)

Also should i charge less by hour? I mean photography is not my first job and is an extra (for now). I justify my time and equipment usage but for things to pay (car, gas, etc..) i have my day time job that they would probably consider.... I'm confuse lol if only it was a usual customer lol

I'm curious: how many events have you photographed on a professional basis (where there is a client with some kind of expectation ?).

big like that...none i did some portrait though and sport events

i have demand for some reason...there is someone that absolutely want me for is wedding next year even though I told him I never done weddings and it's not what i want to do as a living.... And budget is not a problem...