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Archive 2008 · Pricing??

Dustin Jensen
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p.1 #1 · Pricing??

I've never done anything like this before...How much should I charge?

I wanted to know if you have any interest in doing some product photography for us? We need some detail shots of our messenger bags for the website and also some apparel detail shots. Along with both of those subjects, we also need some solid product shots that we can send out to editors...ours are a bit outdated. Let me know if this is anything you would be interested in, and if not, maybe an idea of a good canidate! Our timeline for this is pretty tight...we would need to get things in motion asap. Let me know your thoughts & if interested we can figure out pricing, time frame, etc!

Thanks.

Dec 16, 2008 at 04:45 AM

cwebster
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p.1 #2 · Pricing??

Do you have the equipment and expertise to produce professional-level pictures for this assignment?

If not, just take a pass. Perhaps help find a pro and offer to assist so you can get an idea of what's involved. It's not as easy as just pointing your camera at the product and pushing the button.

<Chas>

Dec 16, 2008 at 05:03 AM

Dustin Jensen
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p.1 #3 · Pricing??

Thanks for the awesome advice cwebster....does anyone have some pricing advice?

Dec 16, 2008 at 05:16 AM

Micky Bill
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p.1 #4 · Pricing??

$2000.

Dec 16, 2008 at 06:49 AM

Jonathan H
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p.1 #5 · Pricing??

Product photography is boring, but a good way to pay the bills. Most photogs work out a single price per image delivered. To make your life simple, build usage rights into your per-image fee. Make sure to make it clear to the company that you own the images - they are your creation. The company is simply licensing the right to use them for a certain time period - say 1 or 2 years.

Basic product shots on a pure white background range from probably $100 a shot (very low volume (1-10 pieces) with a "brand name" photographer down to $10-$15 per shot for high volume work (1000+ pieces). If they want "styled" still-life images with multiple pieces incorporated, coherent themes, etc... that's a whole different ballgame. I don't touch still-life with a 10 foot pole (I'm no good at it) but rates are usually in the $500 and up per image... but those guys earn every penny.

Often the easiest idea is to figure out how many images they'll want, determine how long it will take you to complete the job (DO NOT forget retouching - takes as long or longer than the actual shooting), decide how much you want to make, then just do the basic math to figure out a "per-image" rate.

I think Micky was being a bit sarcastic (it's really impossible to answer your question with the amount of [non]-info you've given) but his figure probably isn't too off the mark for a 50-75 image job.

Just make sure you can deliver the results that they'll expect if they write you a $2K check.

Dec 16, 2008 at 02:57 PM

Dustin Jensen
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p.1 #6 · Pricing??

Thanks Jonathan.

I did some lifestyle shots for this company before and I have a very good relationship with them. In the past they have given me products for my work.

They told me that they talked to other photographers but do not have to budget for them. They would do it in-house, but they wanted to give me the chance to do the shoot. They said that they are happy with the in house photography but they are too busy and would like better lighting if possible.

I basically feel like I'd do it for what ever price they gave me...

What they want is:

1 shot per bag (4 bags) for the website and for editorial
1 Volume shot per bag (showing a bag full of stuff)
6 detail shots per bag

Also, they are releasing a new clothing line soon and i think that if I can manage this job it will lead to more work in the future.

I've never done product shots before, but I'm confident I can do it. I think this will give me a great relationship and opportunity to build my portfolio, but at the same time I want to at least get paid enough to cover my time if not come out a little ahead.

At my current office job I get paid ~ 150 per day. I'd be happy shooting this job at a day rate of ~ 200 bucks. I think it would take about 2 or 3 days to do the job including post. (maybe more while I figure out how best to light the bags) so that equals about 600$ I know that is super low, but considering the experience and relationship, do you think that is a good price?

Dec 18, 2008 at 05:39 PM

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