Am I being reasonable or undercutting myself?

I am interested in hearing peoples thoughts / practices on what they

charge for days spent doing prep / test shots for shoots. I have

always done prep shoots with clients at half my daily rate if I'm

going to be the photographer used for the full shoot. Situations and

cost vary, as do the amount of days involved on the actual shoot, but

this is a rough guide / method I use with clients. Look books etc are

a different matter.

 

Obviously the prep shots don't carry the responsiblity or liablity

involved with the actual shoot, and the requirements / situation is a

lot more relaxed, but I got to thinking that I'm still putting the

time in. Even if the the shots aren't going to make or break the end

results maybe I'm under-cutting myself and should just be charging the

day as full rate?

 

Am I being reasonable / too reasonable / or out of line? How do other

people operate?

Just what kind of shooting are you talking about?

"Just what kind of shooting are you talking about?"

 

In this instance... fashion. A winter collection for catalogue and web.

In doing these so-called "test shots," who pays the model and picks up the other expenses? If you are a pro, why do yo need to "practice?" And just what do you mean by the "liability" bit? In 40 years as a pro, I never heard of doing business the way you do on a catalog gig.

Thanks Art. I'll take that as meaning you think I'm undercutting myself.

 

The test shots are actually of the location, props etc for the clients and won't involve the model. By liability I mean I wouldn't have to be claiming on my indemnity insurance for a re-shoot if (for example) everything went wrong, not that I expect it to. Hence, reduced liability.

 

On this occaision all expenses, food, hotels, travel, processing etc (the list is pretty comprehensive)are covered by the client.

 

Thanks again for your response.

Alice, I'm just now starting to get into the commercial end of the photography business. We have a pretty active market here in Central Florida, and I have a few friends who are well established in the industry. I can tell you what they told me - charge for extra days at your full rate. Why work for them at a 1/2 day rate or reduced rate when you could take on other work at your full rate?

 

I was also advised that clearly stating this to art directors and editors (or shoot managers, whoever you are working with) and making it seem like you are more in demand than you are can solidify your reputation as a professional. Of course, it all comes down to the final images, your delivery and ability to work well with others (you know about this way more than I do), but you should not sell yourself short.

 

Case in point. I have a client I did some work for about two weeks ago. Following my friend's advice, I refused to shoot another item and include it in my original full day fee. They were not happy about my position, but it was at least a full half day of work for me. In the end they were very happy with the images and we're scheduling another shoot next month for them.

 

Charge what you're worth, and get paid for your time. Find a diplomatic way to back out of the precedent you've set with your clients. Work like a dog for the day they've got you, though! I hope to be in your shoes one day!

I don't typically consider those as seperate from the main shoot. They require as much of

your time and skill regarless - even if they are a little more relaxed and low key, they are a

part of the same job. Charge your full rate.

alice.

I'm an architectural photographer. As such - I almost always go to the site

to be shot beforehand to do a prep shoot. Not with 4x5 but with a handheld

camera. Perhaps there's not as much prep as you take (don't really know

what's involved here).. but the way I approach it is - if there are any

material/travel/incidental costs involved, charge those. But otherwise, my

day ratereflects this prep time. I probably spend a good four hours cleaning

film holders and prepping equipment before the shoot. I don't charge for

this directly, but obviously takes time - so that's reflected in my day rate,

too. It just makes things simpler and you're less likely to offend the client

that way - not all photographers are going to charge for prep. So they

might be wondering why YOU do.