Toronto Photography Meetup Group

OK, I've started doing some work for an accounting organization. Taking photos at functions, processing the pictures, and emailing them so they can use them in their monthly news magazine. I had no idea what to charge, so I did the first couple for $180. That was for a two to three hour gig, but I found I was also putting in at least a couple of hours on the computer processing them (colour balance, contrast, sharpening, cropping, changing from raw to jpg etc.) emailing them and usually burning a CD or two. Since then, I figured I better come up with a pricing scheme. So I settled on $60 per hour, whether I'm shooting or processing at the computer. So for a two hour gig, I would charge $240 (estimating two hours at the computer) The problem is they want me to still do it for the $180. Is my pricing out of line? They have been pleased with my work so far. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Ron

Can you find a middle ground? I am interested in the outcome too

If you have done a lot of shoots for them it's going to be hard to increase your prices. But if it's only been one or two shoots, I would tell them that it was "introductory" pricing and going forward I would quote them your new rate.

I can't tell you how much to charge but at the end of the day you have to make sure your time and expenses are covered and then tack on what ever you see as profit to pay yourself. Every situation is different but hopefully I helped a bit...

Cheers,
Scott

Shoot jpeg then you don't have to PP. Paps and sports guys do it this way. For newsletters, I think jpegs is fine.


Randy

As Shurrereye said, I could save time shooting in jpeg, but I like the latitude that raw brings. There was a candid shot I took with flash that was overexposed. Raw let me dial it back into shape. But as a semi-pro, part-time gig, are my prices to high? I'm not asking to know what you pros or part-time shooters charge, but am I in the ball park? Should I just charge a flat rate for the gig? But if I do, how do I arrive at a cost?

Thanks in advance; Ronzo

arrive at cost? that's easy
add up
- what your time is worth
- any costs you will incur (parking, food, gas, transport, etc)
- a little extra to cover misc operating costs (insurance, gear upgrade/maintenance/repairs, software upgrades, etc)

i think that's about it. i'm sure someone else can add to that list.
now getting the client to pay that rate is another story.

If it was easy he wouldn't have bothered to ask for insight here. The client didn't approve his $ 240 rate.

Your raw workflow is understandable. How about bracketing your shots, and just nail the exposure on the middle? (instead if exposing to the right) This will save you time. Framing it right will save you time as well.

I hope you find your middle ground where you feel justly copensated for the effort you put in .

How about announcing you rates for 2010? Find your discount rate for this client and when they find your 2010 rate too steep, just say "okay, for you it'll be -- discount rate, I always enjoy photographing your group " In the end, you have your increase plus you still have them for repeat sales, right?

Good luck!



Randy

$240 per session is very reasonable,but it's only you who can really know what to charge. There are photographers who charge $50/session+DVD and there are who charge $4K and only give you a dozen prints.
Your client however should see the value and know why they have to pay more. Announcing new prices to old clients is never pretty. They don't want to pay the new rates. That's just how it is. You can justify the raise if you can explain what changed in your work. If you've upgraded your cameras,computer, took lessons/seminars and perhaps started to pay more for studio space then you can let them know where the extra costs come from. To me, this was always the easiest way,but you should expect to loose clients as well as some can never accept the change.


Good luck.

Maybe you could let them know WHY you are quoting more... maybe a price breakdown would help them understand the price increase...

I caved, and agreed to do the next 2 jobs for the old price. but did explain I'll have to charge something for my processing in the new year. When I meet with them Tues. night I'll discuss what it is I actually do. I'm hoping I can keep this gig, but feel my time behind the computer is worth something. I guess some where along the way you have to take a stand. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for all the responses, I have given some of your ideas a lot of thought.

Thanks; Ronzo

interim, shoot raw, do a batch conversion to jpeg and then just mess with the ones that really need a fix (ie. overexposure)
at least your time behind the screen will be minimal

OR, do a li'l investigating on your own (ie. get a couple of quotes) and ditch 'em
shoot alone is worth minimum $500 for a pro to come in...add editing time on top of that
let them hunt up another photog who will do what you do for less than $750...chances are (if they're smart anyway) they'll cave