Event Pricing

<p>I am just starting freelance work, and to date have only sold individual pieces rather than photographing events. I have an offer to do an event of 6-7 hours and would like input on what to charge. Per hour or an inclusive package? My inclination would be to shoot the event, and then transfer images to CD in which the client can print rather than sending to a lab, etc.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Loree</p>

<p>I should also note the event is for a sweet sixteen birthday event as opposed to commerical work.</p>

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<p>I am just starting freelance work</p>

 

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<p>If your intent is to continue with paid work, this is now the time to begin thinking<br>

about marketing.</p>

<p>1) Don't expect high wages at first. Per hour pricing will be easier to figure at this stage. Factor in ALL your time and decide on your minimums. EX: Prep time, shoot time, post processing..ANYTHING that requires your time. Let's say total time is 20 hrs @ $15/hr= $300</p>

<p>2) Look at who you are doing this for. Is there anyway to parlay this into advertising for yourself?</p>

<p>3) Will the event be shot next year? If so, sign them up now.</p>

<p>4) Hand out business to cards to <strong>everybody</strong> there if appropriate.<br>

4a) Collect emails in appropriate</p>

<p>5) Pretend you are being paid $10,000 for this first shoot. (i.e) Give 'em your very best.</p>

<p>Apologies, missed the sweet 16 info.</p>

<p>Sweet 16?<br>

Lots of kids will want or need senior pics soon. Hint..Hint</p>

<p>For events, and all other shoots for that matter, the best business decision I made was to stop offering hi-res images on CD. I now offer only low-res images (720 px on long side, optimal for Facebook) with my base fee, licensed for online use only, with hi-res images and prints available as add-ons. That way the clients can still print the images themselves if they wish, but they have to license hi-res images from me in order to do so.</p>

<p>Julie gives a great suggestion here on how to control things. I would use that.</p>

<p>I prefer to charge per event with a time limit. Then, if it turns out to be a lot smaller than planned, you aren't going to take a hit for that.</p>

<p>To expand on Kevins marketing emphasis-Start thinking about any activities these kids are involved in, youth sports, extracuricular school sports or activities such as cheering, colorguard, dance, karate, talent/variety shows -both school and community, yearbook-the list is seemingly endless and as varied as the kids. If you think oh, they already have that covered-don't be surprised to find there is still room for professional grade work, and parents almost always have an interest in their childrens activities.</p>

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<p>That way the clients can still print the images themselves if they wish, but they have to license hi-res images from me in order to do so.</p>

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<p>Julie,<br>

I think you're fooling yourself if you think your clients won't print from the low-res files. The will and when asked who took the picture, they will pass along your name. No one will ever ask them what file size they used or where they had it printed. You may want to rethink this.</p>

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<p>Julie,<br /> I think you're fooling yourself if you think your clients won't print from the low-res files. The will and when asked who took the picture, they will pass along your name. No one will ever ask them what file size they used or where they had it printed. You may want to rethink this.</p>

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<p>I know I cannot prevent clients from printing my low-res photos, but as my license specifically forbids this, it's a matter of trust, a compromise I'm willing to make. And I've heard some places like Costco do sometimes check for a print license, though I'm certainly not counting on that. Believe me, I've put plenty of thought into this decision.</p>

<p>ETA: My name can be spread a lot faster through photos posted to Facebook than through prints! That's why my low-res files are sized specifically for Facebook.</p>

<p>Loree,</p>

<p>I'm a little late to this party, but here's my input.</p>

<p>I'm also just starting out in freelance work. So far, I've been charging by the hour that I spend with the client. I've been tracking all the time that I spend on each job, including gear gathering, travel, post, etc. I find that for typical events, I spend about 2-3x as much time on the back end as I do with the client. I'm trying to streamline my workflow to reduce that time, but that's been a consistent number for the last six months. Given that, I decided that charging $100/hr (with the client) is about as low as I'm willing to go. Anything less just isn't worth my time, unless it's for a charity that provides certain intangible rewards. I also provide finished, full-size images on a CD/DVD for this type of event, licensed for personal or internal company use (including facebook). Marketing or publication use requires a new license and more money.</p>

<p>Once you're able to accurately estimate how much time an event will take, it should be possible to quote a flat fee for well-defined events like corporate dinners. For flexible events like parties, charging an hourly rate allows you & the client more flexibility in how long your services are needed.</p>