How Much Should You Charge
For a Photo Shoot?
07/09/12 02:58 Model Advice
Model Advice
Every now and again I will post a tip for
photographers in this section. This one concerns what
to charge for your photo services. Newbie
photographers often underestimate the amount of time
that goes into a professional shoot, only to later
resent the client and doing the project.
One of the key things I learned with pricing
photography jobs is that a photo gig itself involves
a lot more than taking the photos. When you hear
about a noted photographer getting paid $10,000 a day
for a shoot, it's because much more than a day’s work
is involved...
1. Pre production - Scouting the
location, selecting hair, make-up, model. Meeting the
art director or producer of the project.
Conceptualizing, story boarding, etc. obtaining
permits for locations, insurance.
2. The actual shoot - Generally, an
all day affair. High stress and lots of work. You're
"on" the entire time. Don't underestimate packing up
everything. If you don't have a crew, unpacking,
setting up, and re-packing is a job in itself.
3. Post production - Again, meeting
with art director and going over the results of the
shoot and most importantly, retouching the selected
images for publication.
You know how many hours that is in total? Probably 40
easily, maybe more. And it's probably 1-2 weeks time
you're on that project, from the first meeting to the
last.
So when someone says "I'll pay you $500 to shoot my
wedding,” be careful before you accept. Because you
may wind up resenting it; shooting is a lot more than
the day you go out and take the pictures.
Tags:Photographer