First "quote" - DPChallenge Forums

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

04/21/2009 12:54:09 PM · #1

Its a pun!!!

All kidding aside....

I have been an avid amateur photographer, doing as much not-for-profit work as possible with as many big name acts (musicians in my area) as possible, and finally was approached by a successful band looking for an entire new "promo" thingy.

They want me to take photos of them in/with/around a limo in a grass field in a few weeks, with the end products resulting in a few different poster designs, 4x6 promo card things, and possibly some web graphics (I will be doing the graphics and print stuff, my career is in print graphics.)

I have NO idea what to quote/charge them at. I have never been paid to take photos, only film and design things. I am guessing I should avoid charging by the hour, but what would a realistic flat rate be?

I want to give them a great deal, but I also do not want to sell myself short as a "budget" photographer.

However, I feel that as they stumbled across my portfolio and approached me directly, without any direct paid experience listed, that I should still charge enough.

Any suggestions?

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/21/2009 02:00:52 PM · #2

Are they local? Regional? National? Global?

R.

04/22/2009 04:50:08 AM · #3

There is no right answer to these questions as it is very much based on your market. If youre in NYC you can charge a lot more then I can in Kennett Square, PA.

But cover your ass on the paper work. You need a to put together a usage agreement that includes an expiration date! Never do it open ended.

04/22/2009 04:51:40 AM · #4

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Are they local? Regional? National? Global?

R.

Ive found that this doesn't matter now a days. The internet has ruined the traditional concept of "national" acts, as it is much easier to push your stuff out to everyone everywhere and establish a healthy following globally, while not reaping the benefits and profit of what the word previously meant. I mean yes there is an obvious difference between Springsteen and the kid next door banging drums in his garage, but for the most part, the lines are too blurred to use this as a judgement in how you should charge.

Message edited by author 2009-04-22 08:52:17.

04/22/2009 07:02:32 AM · #5

They are national, but not yet on a mainstream level.

We are in Minneapolis.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/22/2009 07:15:55 AM · #6

Just out of curiousity, what band?

BJokerud

Nikon D3s

04/22/2009 07:37:16 AM · #7

I guess you could charge extra for each head in the band. 200$ split 7 ways is less than 200$ split 4 ways. Or maybe that's a cheaptrick

alanfreed

Nikon D6

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/22/2009 08:43:50 AM · #8

Originally posted by BJamy:

Or maybe that's a cheaptrick

Cheap Trick is pretty washed up... they probably won't be able to pay well.

04/22/2009 08:48:45 AM · #9

Originally posted by alanfreed:

Originally posted by BJamy:
Or maybe that's a cheaptrick

Cheap Trick is pretty washed up... they probably won't be able to pay well.

Live From Bhudokan is still selling man!

04/23/2009 10:44:54 AM · #10

UPDATE*

I still have no idea what to charge...

ANDDDD

Today I was just contacted by an acquaintance who works at a nice Minneapolis Bar/Restaraunt (Stella's) telling me that management wants me to take the photos for their website and some promo stuff. Pics in the bar on the weekend, the patio outside looking at the city, etc...

Sounds like a weather-considerate multi-weekend endeavor, and I have even LESS idea about what to charge for this... No lights or set up really, just on camera flash and basic shooting.

ANY help or guidelines or even a link to some info would be GREATLY appreciated!

Prof_Fate

04/25/2009 03:49:07 AM · #11

$75 an hour for creative - shoot day, editing, etc.
then per file a usage fee ... that's a lot harder to put a price on as it depends on the usage - an album cover or national ad is different than a small shot inside the cd or glossy 8x10s they'll sign and hand out to fans.

and most bands, ok, ALL bands that have contacted me run the other way when I quote even as much as $300. It's not work that pays so you have to do it because you love it and have a day job to pay the bills.