How Much? - DPChallenge Forums

07/12/2007 12:12:44 PM · #1

I was at Barnes and Noble today asking about how the Harry Potter party will work next week (with actually getting our books).

I asked if it was okay for me to take pictures, and the manager asked if I would also take pictures for them. They asked me how much it would cost, and I told them I don't know because I don't usually do just regular 4x5 prints.

So, considering that I was going to be there taking pictures for nothing anyway, how much should I charge for an extra set of prints? Just what they cost me?

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

07/12/2007 12:18:42 PM · #2

I would say yeah, and a tagline if they use them for something.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

07/12/2007 12:20:48 PM · #3

Why would you do it for free when they are willing to pay you. I would price the job at $75 for the shooting (since you were going to be there anyway) and $4 each for prints, or something along that line.

07/12/2007 12:21:01 PM · #4

Nah...go all out, Take shots that will be useful to them for advertising and showing purposes. wow them and charge a little more for it. You don't want to price too low, have them impressed and then ask you do to more in the future for the same price. And if you raised you price for the next job they may think you're being unfair about it since you did it this time for X amount but wont do it for X amount again. Treat it like a job and ask a fair price. Maybe it can become a more regular thing. you want to be paid fairly. now what's fair? I have no idea. I've never done anything like this. sorry. :P

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/12/2007 12:21:12 PM · #5

I think they're just going to scrapbook them.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

07/12/2007 12:23:30 PM · #6

A great rule of negotiating is to get the other party to name a price first. That way you don't run the risk of way underbidding.

The easiest thing to do is to ask them, "well, what do you think is a fair price?" and work off that. Works like a charm and makes you look like you are willing to work with them.

Message edited by author 2007-07-12 16:24:01.

07/12/2007 12:24:32 PM · #7

That may be there current intention but if you get some awesome shots they may change there mind and display a few or send some to the home office to show what great pics they had taken at thier event and soemwhere along the lines someone may ask to use it for a larger purpose. you never know.

07/12/2007 12:36:03 PM · #8

Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

07/12/2007 12:40:29 PM · #9

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

But if you do a bunch of things for free then as soon as you decide you want to make even 1 dollar off of it (even if that five years from now)that person will feel ripped off. because it's more than anyone else had to pay. It's tricky.

Louis

Nikon D800

07/12/2007 12:45:12 PM · #10

Originally posted by jaded_youth:

Originally posted by ajdelaware:
Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

But if you do a bunch of things for free then as soon as you decide you want to make even 1 dollar off of it (even if that five years from now)that person will feel ripped off. because it's more than anyone else had to pay. It's tricky.

I agree in essence, but there's also the demand factor. When we did web design, we started out giving away sites, and soon we were in demand and could charge whatever we wanted. Maybe the same principle could apply here. Become known as an excellent events photographer and get in demand in order to be able to ultimately charge the way you want. (Especially if that's what you're comfortable doing.)

07/12/2007 12:49:27 PM · #11

By the way. I've only had one paying client. she bought some prints and I gave her a free poster size of the I love lucy shot we did but the sitting and processing and such was free. so it's not like I've ever really charged anyone. It just sounds good in theory. :P

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

07/12/2007 12:57:39 PM · #12

It is tricky and it isnt....

Example - we do a lot of "memory mate" pictures for sports leagues (the ones that you have ton of in a drawer if you have kids that play any sports) The opportunity came up to shoot an award ceremony for coaches of sports teams in PA, I had no problem doing that "pro bono" because it was going to put me in front of 25 coaches from different schools/leagues.

So in this instance, the op is going to be in front of a lot of families at this event, which all could potentially become clients.

Jaded - throw some business cards out there too, family portraits galore.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

07/12/2007 01:04:41 PM · #13

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

I seriously doubt B&N is going to go running all over town saying "Look at these great pics so'n'so shot" Free, yes... publicity, not so much. Its a job, you charge for jobs. :)

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

07/12/2007 01:07:37 PM · #14

Originally posted by jaded_youth:

Jaded is 100% right about completely free work. My bf volunteered me to do a wedding for free labor back in April. Now, these people don't even want to give me cost - they just want me to make all the prints they want for free. I tried giving them a disk, but they don't want that. I really wish I'd never done those pictures.

Louis

Nikon D800

07/12/2007 03:16:34 PM · #15

Originally posted by idnic:

Originally posted by ajdelaware:
Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

I seriously doubt B&N is going to go running all over town saying "Look at these great pics so'n'so shot" Free, yes... publicity, not so much. Its a job, you charge for jobs. :)

Not necessarily the book store, but individuals who hired her. I think it depends. Our clients (another industry but the same scenario) eventually included well-known brands and multi-national corps., and we grew from word of mouth alone. My feeling is that if you're good, the fact gets known.

sher

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/12/2007 03:23:57 PM · #16

Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by idnic:

Originally posted by ajdelaware:
Hahah. I guess im too generous for this crew. But im also young still, so I value free publicity over the almighty buck right now.

I seriously doubt B&N is going to go running all over town saying "Look at these great pics so'n'so shot" Free, yes... publicity, not so much. Its a job, you charge for jobs. :)

Not necessarily the book store, but individuals who hired her. I think it depends. Our clients (another industry but the same scenario) eventually included well-known brands and multi-national corps., and we grew from word of mouth alone. My feeling is that if you're good, the fact gets known.

i did lots and lots of free work to get my name "known". a little goodwill goes a long way, in my opinion..

07/12/2007 03:45:48 PM · #17

I'm going to email her later tonight and ask her how many pictures she is thinking she'd like to have since that would obviously affect prices. Unless I misheard her she mentioned only having about 30 pictures from the last Harry Potter party, like that is a bad thing, so I'm thinking she might want a couple hundred pictures taken.

Also, the Luray Zoo is bringing animals over for part of the party, most notably owls. They might also want pictures of the event. :D

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/13/2007 04:27:43 AM · #18

There is a difference between doing free work, and getting ripped off. The wedding deal - youre getting ripped off.

Also, even if the Zoo joint says they dont need pictures from you...send them to them anyway. Ive gotten into the habit of showing up at baseball fields and just taking a bunch of pictures and then putting then finding out who runs the league and send them an email with the link to the shots. It doesnt cost you anything (other then time - which I have too much of) and ya never know - it could generate business, and if it doesnt right away, at least they know your name now.

I have a weird approach to business apparently.

Spork99

Canon EOS R8

Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM

07/13/2007 04:39:56 AM · #19

Ask them for an advance copy of the book.

okeydokey6

Nikon D200

07/13/2007 04:52:39 AM · #20

Why would you charge someone for something they are letting you do. You approached them asking to take the pics in the first place; right? If you make some elaborate business deal before going to the party then you'll be there working instead of enjoying the party.
Charge them whatever it costs you to get both yours and their copy of the prints done. They can pay for your prints to offset the use of your time.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/17/2007 09:43:49 AM · #21

Yeah, I told them I'd do it for cost, but I requested that they 1) not tell the zoo that I'm only doing it for cost. I'm hoping they'll want prints too. 2) Tell the daily news paper that they don't want their photographer there because he could get into my way. That way the paper will have to get their picture from me too. They also said they'll turn a blind eye if I give buisness cards to parents who might be interested in having pictures of their adorable offspring in costume.

[quote]Ask them for an advance copy of the book.[/quote]

I wish! Last time they actually had to sign agreements to not even touch the boxes before the release time. I'm sure they had to do something at least that strict this time.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

07/17/2007 09:45:39 AM · #22

Something makes me think there are going to be lots of advanced copies this time around (at least, say, 24 hours). Because there is no risk of not getting the next one...

Spork99

Canon EOS R8

Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM

07/17/2007 10:04:15 AM · #23

I'd do it like this: Shoot everything interesting that you humanly can. Hand everyone you shoot a business card. On the back of that card, have an url for a password protected gallery, a price list for prints and your contact info. Leave the gallery up for a set number of weeks. Take orders, then place one huge print order and distribute appropriately.