Posted by Bill Chambers on November 26, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I've been approached about being commissioned to shoot images of some hunting property. I'm very interested, but don't have a clue what to charge. It would involve 2 days of travel time (round trip), plus shooting time. Does anyone know of a resource that could give me ideas on how to charge for this? Thanks.
Posted by Steve Foss on November 26, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Bill, I'm getting into shooting realty work myself. I've had some gigs with high-dollar properties, and I just multiply my hourly rate by the number of hours involved, including travel, shooting and pp. With my work, it's the Realtors who pay the bill. It's not worth it for them to pay me to shoot a $50,000 bungalow, but when we're talking $500,000 to $5 million properties, paying several hundred to a few thousand for professional work that they can use online or in glossy brochures is something they consider an investment.
As part of the transaction, they receive full rights to use the images as often as they like online or in print brochures, though I retain copyright and the ability to use the images to promote my business.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on November 26, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I was commissioned to shoot model apartment units this summer and somehow managed to figure out how much to charge by doing a Google search. Sorry, Bill, I can't remember exactly where I found the info. Make sure travel expenses will be paid as well as an hourly charge for the time you put in editing your images. That was one big mistake I made, and lost a lot of money by not doing so.
I can't say what the standard rates would be for your region, but Steve and Toni make good points and reflect similar experiences to ours. We charge half our day-rate or hourly rate for travel time, plus expenses. We charge for image prep at 2/3's of our hourly shooting rate. When you say "hunting property" I envision movement and transport in rough country or over challenging roads. I'd make sure that the client has suitable transport available for you once you arrive, or at the very least make sure that your own vehicle is suitable. If you'll be traversing the site on foot, make sure that you have suitable means for lugging your gear.
Posted by Bill Chambers on November 27, 2007 at 9:47 AM
Thanks all for your insights and information. I really appreciate it!
Posted by Frank Winters on November 29, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Bill -- some thoughts:
If you trust your client you might try asking what the budget is.
If this is your first commission take that into account as well.
Figure out your true cost and then add profit.
Some ideas after 25 years as a consultant (not photographic one but some things are relevant in any case).
Discussion
5 repliesAs part of the transaction, they receive full rights to use the images as often as they like online or in print brochures, though I retain copyright and the ability to use the images to promote my business.
If you trust your client you might try asking what the budget is.
If this is your first commission take that into account as well.
Figure out your true cost and then add profit.
Some ideas after 25 years as a consultant (not photographic one but some things are relevant in any case).
Frank