Sports photography rates

I'm a "part-time professional" photographer (though I do sell photography, I

don't rely on photography for an income). I'm often asked to photograph sports

events, or provide team photos etc. I don't believe in undercutting

professional photographer rates, so I want to set my prices accurately. I'm in

the Seattle area, which may influence pricing somewhat.

Can anyone provide me with a reasonable basis for pricing my photography

services:

1) Hourly rate and minimum for "the shoot" (I need to drive to the event, I

provide equipment, etc.). Note: events are often gymnastics events where no

flash is allowed. I shoot a 135mm f2.0 or a 300mm f2.8 most commonly)

2) Hourly rate for Photoshop services

3) Charge for a DVD of the highest resolution images (I'll shoot JPGs for

sports events, not raw)

4) Appropriate packages and charges for sports photos.

...how about when I haul my studio flash gear to the gym and provide

professional studio photos for the team? What to charge for a) the service and

b) for individual photos and/or team shots. Any idea what to charge for a

20x30 poster print (with Photoshop work to incorporate all kids + team on the

poster).

I appreciate all the help I can get...I'm about to be "RIFed" (Reduction in

Force) from the biotech/pharma industry for the second time in 2 1/2 years and

I could use some supplemental income!

Thanks!

Richard Mitchell

Richard,

I will do what I can to help. Sorry to hear about you getting RIF'd. For onsite work I charge (depending on how far) anywhere from $100-$250. I don't ever give a CD of images (did once and it didn't work out well). IF I have to give out a CD of images they are anywhere between $50-$100 PER photo. Sounds high I know, but I don't want to give away my images and I would rather they NOT buy them really. Just MHO. I don't charge for my photoshop services (they are included in my prices). IF someone wants me to retouch photos that they took that is a different story.

Team and individuals are pretty much the same, but I try and do that WAY ahead of time to get a KNOWN income. For a 20x30 it's different for portraits or sports. Sports are easier so they are cheaper. I don't know the rates, but for portraits I want to say they are $200.

Hope that helped a little bit.

Ryan