I have an upcoming event I have been asked to photograph. Firstly very little to no experience not only with people but groups, indoors, etc. I mainly do landscape photography, infrared etc. My excuse in the past has been, "oh I do that type of photography", but you know what that excuse is lame and I would like to learn more about other types of photography On short notice, the event is next week, I have not only been asked to cover the event but also submit an invoice, I have no idea what to charge.
I'm pretty limited to equipment, so I have rented a Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 and SB-900, no experience at all using a flash. I've been just killing my ISP streaming videos on Youtube for group shots, how to compose, using a flash etc. but looking for solid tips or advice on pricing, setting up shots, not really a lot of time. The best part its my work environment so I know the staff, which should help with the nerves. I will want to incorporate the building into a lot of the captures cause its our pride and joy ( brand new 17 million dollar facility - glass everywhere open concept), shots will be at night so no natural light.
Thank you in advance for any type of help, suggestions, comments, advice.
Equipment I will be using.
Nikon D700
Sigma 15-30m f3.5
Sigma 50mm F1.4
Nikon 24-70mm 2.8
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8
Nikon SB-900
Manfrotto CLB TP and quick release head.
Thank you very much, unfortunately I wont have an extra body, this time around, the camera is fairly new still so it should perform ok. Yes not sure what to charge, they actually asked me to photograph another event 4 days after this event, same location.
That was a lot more difficult than I thought, basically 2 1/2 hours of constant shooting. About half way through I kinda of lost my vision and everything went blurry, it seems to be getting a bit better now, few hours later.
First time using a flash and with no real ambient light, it was hard. The room setup was awful, way too full and I only had access to the very back of the room and a small walkway on the right side up to the front but no way to mingle or squeeze by anyone.
Here is a quick sample of a shot of the interior of the building,
Some additional images, I have to say this was a really fun time and for my very first time taking shots of people and using a flash I was pretty happy with the results. I think I ended up taking around 200 shots and when it came to the different departments, 5 depts, I had to get both professional and fun shots within 30-45 minutes for all groups, approx. 50 staff, that included coming up with where to shot them ,staging, setup etc. So all in all hectic but alot of fun, comments all wanted.
The photos indicate that it is photography for a corporate brochure, not event photography. There is no event going on there. A brochure is priced differently.
Concerning the B&W photo: Remove the Coke label or don't use the photo (recommended) of the guy finger shooting one of his co-workers. There is way too much table clutter anyway. In addition, I hope everyone pictured signed releases otherwise a disgruntled employee, or gym member can sue if it is published because it is a form of advertising for the gym.
Normally you would quote a flat rate for the job which would include pre/post production instead of some hourly rate. If you spent 2+ hours I would have charged at least a day rate because there is time unaccounted for that you probably haven't considered. Clients don't like surprises so don't charge anything more than what you quoted. Next time, and as you gain experience, check out a pricing table for photography.
Good point on the posting the images with people, removed. This was a training session for the staff and they basically wanted it documented to be displayed on possibly they Facebook page, website etc. I'm an employee as well there so I'll make sure everyones happy and the way they look at it is, they would have to pay someone and they like my work.
But you have given me lots to think about, travel, PP etc. thanks for your comments.
You don't have to remove the people, just get the owner to take responsibility for any possible liabilities by having the staff sign a simple model release. Anyone outside of the staff that is recognizable needs to sign one too (if used for advertising). The release should be worded so that you, the photographer, are not liable. It's really just a CYA document in this litigious society. It may seem like a training session but later on any picture may be used for advertising in many different ways including Facebook. Anything that is a trademark, or logo on cups, cans, T-shirts, etc. has to be removed. If not, and the photo is used for advertising, you are responsible. Picturing people adds scale and shows that the facility is busy, so inclusion should be considered. There's a lot to consider when you start shooting commercial photography besides the very basics like getting a signed release. If the owner really wants to promote his facility he should seek the services of a small ad agency or graphic designer who should know the ropes.
