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jgoetz4
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p.1 #1 · What to charge ?

Afternoon Folks,
It looks like I'll be shooting 'progress photos' for a very large contractor in my area. One of their superintendents was impressed by all of my 'courtesy' photos of one of his bldgs. He flat out said that my pictures were much better then his paid photographer

I've been shooting this type of photography for over 3 yrs now, and photography in general since the mid 80's (I still have my working Canon AE-1 film camera) Anyway, I'm not sure what to charge per hr for the edited digital files on disc, although, I was guessing around $75/hr (min 2 hrs) for about 25 shots. The sites are within 30 mins of my house. Let me know if I'm in the ball park, or at the very least, in the the parking lot.
Thank you very much & have a good day

Jim...

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 13, 2007 at 05:24 PM

jgoetz4
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p.1 #2 · What to charge ?

Morning Folks,
Almost a day later with only 37 views, over 2200 people on line and not one comment. Thank god for search engines. It seems I was on the 'low' side of pricing. Apparently, this is a branch of photography that not too many photographers venture in, and is evident by the lack of response here. I found what I was looking for, but unfortunately, not where I thought I would find it.
Have a good day,
Jim...

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 02:12 PM

Mattbtn
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p.1 #3 · What to charge ?

Not trying to be rude, but charge what you think you and your work is worth. Some people might not need the money, and would think $150 is great for 2 hours of work.

Others who value their time much more highly, and have to consider insurance, taxes, costs, etc... might want to charge a minimum of $300. Are their photographs any better than yours, who knows?

Don't be afraid to make your own decisions. The important thing is that you wind up satisfied with your work and what you were paid for it.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 03:56 PM

jgoetz4
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p.1 #4 · What to charge ?

Morning Matt,
Thanks for your input. I found out that the 'going' rate for construction site 'digital' photos runs anywhere from $125-$175 per hr, depending on what part of the country you're in. Add $10-$15 extra per disc, and some, add travel time as well. As part time income, with taxes coming out, I didn't want to under charge, and at the same time, over charge and not end up with any additional business. The important thing to some people may be satisfaction of their work and the amount they were paid for. I'd rather hear the client tell me that they were satisfied and would like to continue doing business with me.
Thanks again and have a good day,
Jim...

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 04:23 PM

claudermilk
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p.1 #5 · What to charge ?

See, I told you you were low (over on dgrin).

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 05:23 PM

jgoetz4
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p.1 #6 · What to charge ?

Yes you did.
Thanks again

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 05:39 PM

george malamis
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p.1 #7 · What to charge ?

I would think that your compensation depend on your abilities, experience/reputation, and preparation. Also, may photographers may offer a discounted rate to their customers if their time line is flexible around the photographers available "off peak hours" so to speak. Another issue is professional perception as well. Just as an example I couldn't show up to an event with a PS and expect that people would take me seriously. Another item is that the photographer is prepared for any issues that come up and have gear with them so that the show can go on. Multiple lenses, a back up body, lights/strobes and lighting equipment and modifiers, backdrops, As long as the client knows that you're serious about your work and you value their time while at the sime time not making them feel like you are rushing them through a session. A friend who does this for a living and is very successful charges $175 for a sitting fee with a $300 print minimum. If you are packaging with a CD and don't expect any print sales I would think that $400-$500 is a reasonable rate.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 08:49 PM

jgoetz4
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p.1 #8 · What to charge ?

Hey George,
Thanks for your input. As for experience, I have over 3 yrs in this area, and 20 something altogether. Non paying, but I do have the experience. That's why I give 'courtesy' progress photos to the contractors in hopes of landing some of their business. They in turn print them out, e-mail them to their PM's and so forth. One superintendent asked me if he could use one of my pictures of his bldg in his companys' brochure. I edited the photo and put my name on the bottom and C 2007, and e-mailed it to him. Additional (pay) work pending.
My equipment speaks for itself if you read my profile

It's understood that ALL images are edited digital files that are print ready.
We'll see what happens.
Have a good evening

Jim...

Nov 14, 2007 at 11:18 PM


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