Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hello, I need some advice.
I've been offered a job to photography some buildings for a construction company and I do not really know what I should charge.

Basically a session would require me to go there, scope it out, take pictures, and maybe go back again for the right light and setting. Then process them.

I'm new to this so i'm estimating around $500-600 for a site. Is that reasonable? I'm only providing digital copies as far as I know.

Thanks in advance for you reply.

Tony

oh and travel expenses are paid for.

Sounds about right for a day's worth of work...but I'm assuming its for commercial purposes etc...copyrights etc.

At least $1,000....

thanks bhrm, would a 1000 be too high considering I don't have an extensive portfolio and have no name in the industry? I did one previous gig for several buildings and this company contacted me because they like the pictures I did for the other company.

Also do you have any information you can forward me regarding licenses and copyrights? Thanks alot!

I'm new here but I thought I'd add my 2 cents. Although I don't have direct experience, and so I can't help with setting your rate or give advice on the going rate, I've been doing some research on this myself and would suggest the following.

Don't sell yourself, your photographic skills, or the time and effort required to scout and produce the images, short. If you set the price very low now, it will establish an expectation that will be difficult to overcome later. Put together a package being clear on what specific deliverables you'll provide, most importantly the number of images, size, format (print, web use) and so on. It might be something like 15 webuse images, shot and processed. Be very clear on this as it will help set a benchmark for both you and them. Then, you can also impress by adding in a some extra images. Play around with how you do this. For instance, it may be that you are providing prints so then some extras for webuse will suffice. Be creative on the extras -- it may be that, for example, you could shoot some stock-type "generic" shots that will serve well to add some detail to their website. Don't go overboard with this though. If you are renting equipment, be clear about these charges and have them cover it. Also, be certain to recover for all travel-related expenses -- don't be shy. Hope that helps.

How many processed shots are you supposed to deliver?

Quote them a daily fee (that depends on how many days you're being asked for)

Then once you get an rough idea of the approximate total # of shots delivered, charge them per shot delivered, so you final quote is daily fee x number of days + processing fee x number of shots delivered.

you can work out how to balance this between the 2 (shooting + post)

a full day fee goes between $600-$800 or higher if you're well-recognized.

if they liked your previous work, then they want you to do this job.

forgot to mention expenses should be separately covered (or if you're happy with the daily fee, include it/pad your quote).

you're obviously giving them licensee to use the shots, but the owner rights are a separate entity, they should pay for that too (if they want to transfer the ownership).

even though they are paying for the licensing usage fee, you should have the rights to use the shots for portfolio/promotional/etc work. (non-commercial usage)

You might not find a better client than this. A construction company that needs some photographs for their advertising/media/publications needs. You have to understand that your work really doesn't end at construction/building site. I would assume you need to post process these photos and depends on number of those you take, this can be a pretty time consuming task. Make sure you include this in your final quote. Don't hesitate to charge your time ... you might be nervous because this could be your first better paid gig but remember, if these guys hire a professional architectural photographer, they will pay at least twice as much for the same job.

Thanks alot everyone, it was great help.