 John Trobaugh |
Pricing in the Photo Business This question is to anyone. I noticed no one responds to "how much to charge" questions, I hope mine'll be different. I really liked John's comments (you responded to carrie in oct.), so I hope you are listening. You seem to have good advice. I want to know a ball park figure of what to charge for a shoot and image rights. I am employed as a graphic designer, but have a degree in fine art (photo concentration). I get asked to do photos from ad clients and other who see my work. What should I charge? I know the national average day rate for a editorial ($450). I understand (a print shop guy says this) that some local pros charge $200 a day +film/processing($25), then they charge $500 per image on product shots. I do great art landscape and portrait shots, but I don't have the equipment the pros have. If I go too low I may hurt myself if I need more equipment etc. If I charge what the pros do then they'll use the guys with the full studio (I guess?). Does anyone have any advice?
|
|
|
|
||
|
BetterPhoto Member |
Start with your cost. Estimate what your time is worth based on your value of yourself. (How much do you want to make per year?) Arrive at a tentative price based on the amount of business you would like to attract. All this should be independent of what others charge. Next, develop a price list based on your computations. Take this list and show to a few clients. Gain their response. Then alter your price to gain the number of clients you want. Keep prices on the high side and offer discounts for multiple copies, same location shots, repeat business, etc. Appropriate clients will respond to prices, adjustments and your ability. Leave room to adjust your prices upward or downward for clients. I think the biggest mistake is to price yourself too low. You can always give good clients a discount if you are priced moderately high. Test this approach for a while to see what response you get and then adjust your prices to reach the clients you want and make the income you desire.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jim Messer |
John - There is a great software program available that will give you ASMP suggested rights and prices for your photos for a variety of situations; i.e. magazines, ads, etc. It even gives you info about successfully negotiating with photo buyers in each field. It's called fotoquote and their website is at www.cradoc.com. They've just come out with an update, version 4. Good Luck,
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||