Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi guys,

A friend contacted me today asking how much I would charge (per photo) to take some panoramic photos of cityscapes for his client's website. Im not really sure how much to charge. They need about 10 shots. Should I look at stock photos and compare there? I think I will be giving up rights to those images (i assume but ill double check) or I will at least have them credit me on their website.

What is the industry standard (if anyone has an idea)? I will also obviously charge lesser according to my knowledge level - but atleast ill have a figure to go against.

Thanks in advance..

sh3r0y

Charge enough to cover your expenses and whatever your time is worth for shooting and post processing at the very least.

I don't think that credit on their website will put food on your table.

Instead of "giving up" your rights just licence the photos.

Just my thoughts take it or leave it....

thanks for the reply never22. I will def cover my expenses. But what im looking for is a number. Should I charge $50 a shot, $100? I have no clue. Ill pad the rest on for my travel + time etc.

How are the shots going to be used? As part of the website (backgrounds, headers ect.)? For an Advertisment? Does he want to resell the images?

It would help with pricing if we have more details than he wants cityscapes for his website.

Ultimatley though, nobody is really going to throw a dollar amount at you. You will have to figure out what number is going to keep you in business.

Great piece of software to atleast get you in the ballpark http://cradocfotosoftware.com/ (fotoquote) there is a free version floating around in various places as well.

yes the industry standard is to charge for the use of your photos, you remain the ownder they are just buying the right to use them in a sertain way, so lets say a small top banner is $150 and a full splash page would be $400. (these numbers are arbitrary, made up). so in the end its for what they are used for is what they are paying.

However personally i find it easier to quote per hour, so what i would do is figure ok a pano of the evening cityscape is about an hour plus an hour of computer time, so 2 hours, so $80/h times 2. and then my the amount of those shots. (this way just makes it easier to justify to anyone.)

The first job is always the hardest. You say a number and the client either smirks and nods with approval or go silent LOL.

Look around and search for what other photographers of your level are charging. Thats the safest guess if your shooting in the dark.

Well it seems like the job is mine. They obviously thought the number i quoted was too high. Weve settled on a price and travel expenses now but I think its a good exposure opportunity and they promise repeat business if they like my work. thanks again to all.

gotta squeeze the lemon dry