Commercial work - pricing question, and what would you do?

[michelle_carrillo]

<p>I have a fledgling photography business, doing portraits (babies, families, maternity, etc.) and getting into weddings. That's the direction I want to take my business. However, an opportunity came along where someone is inquiring if I can take pics of his building that he manages, to be used for his marketing purposes. While I don't want to turn away business (and would like to make some extra $$), it's not exactly the direction I want to go in, and don't want to be "known" for doing commercial work. Especially since I'm just starting out. While some people might say "take ANY job you can," I want to try and build up a name for myself and what I do, not just offer to take pics of anything and everything simply because I have a camera and know how to use it.<br>

So, question one: would you take the job?<br>

Question two: what would you charge? He is under the impression that I would be charging the same as my normal portrait session. But I'm not sure it would work that way. I am coming up with a response, but wanted some general input/figures to make sure I'm not selling myself short. What I'd like to tell him is that my portrait sessions are priced for personal use only, and that commercial work is more expensive. How do I say this nicely, and what kind of figure can I give? I am in Orange County, CA, if that helps. </p>

[john tonai]

<p>I would only take a job that I know I can do well. I wouldn't want to be known as a photographer who can't deliver.<br>

Without specific information regarding the types of photos he wants, how many you need to deliver, how much lighting, prep, etc needs to be done, and what the usage will be (beyond "marketing purposes"), it is impossible to estimate a price. But I can tell you that it should be quite a bit more than a portrait since he will be making money off the photos.</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<blockquote>

<p>Question two: what would you charge? He is under the impression that I would be charging the same as my normal portrait session.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Why is that? Did you give that impression, if so you're going to have trouble changing it.</p>

<p>You should charge a creative fee to shoot the work and a licenseing fee to allow him to use your pictures. The licensing fee should be based on the length of usage and the way it's going to be used (circulation of magazines etc.)</p>

<p>John Harrington's book "Best Business Practices for Photographers" discusses licensing fees in depth. And you can use the PhotoQuote software to calculate usage fees for you, but the free version only covers brochure usage. But it will give you an idea of how the fee changes with time and use.</p>

<p>As John Tonai says, make absolutely sure you can do the job and deliver the results in a professional manner. If you have doubts walk away. Walking away does not hurt your reputation half as much as failing to deliver, or worse delivering the wrong thing.</p>

<p><Chas><br /></p>

[aimee_pieters]

<p>Michelle,</p>

<blockquote>

<p>it's not exactly the direction I want to go in, and don't want to be "known" for doing commercial work.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Unless you show off your commercial work in your studio, literature or website, who is going to know? Besides, why do you think it's a bad thing? If you need the work, take the job. Commericial work can pay very well and help you finance what you like to do best...-Aimee</p>

[ahockley]

<p>To contrast with Aimee's opinion advising you to take the work, I'd say that if you don't really want to do the work and don't want to do that type of work, why not refer the work to someone in your area that would love to have it (and could do a great job)? If you reverse the roles, wouldn't you rather the commercial shooter refer a potential wedding client to you as a wedding photographer rather than do the job on their own, reluctantly?</p>

[fullmetalphotograper]

<p>Hello Michelle,<br>

Here is my basic formal that I use. Hours to Shoot + Editing Time (Computer time or lab time) + expenses (Raw Materials, Mileage, Assistants, Wardrobe, MUA, Hotels, Location Costs, Rentals & etcetera) + Usage (Magazine, Website, Advertisement) = Price.<br>

I use Fotoquotes http://www.cradocfotosoftware.com/fotoQuote-Pro/index.html to calculate the usage fees. This system has served me well in Central CA.<br>

Of course I try to avoid weddings like the plague.</p>

[thomasmckown]

<p>My opinion is that you are better off being known as a specialist of a particular type of work than being known for being mediocre at many different types of work. If weddings are your thing, you should work very hard at being the best at that. If you dont want to do commercial work, dont. I like the previous suggestion by Aaron that you refer someone who wants a service you dont specialize in to somebody who does specialize in that area. That way everybody wins. Do what you love and do it well. You will be much happier doing this than trying to tackle everything that comes your way.</p>

[paul_dymond2]

<p>I agree with Thomas. Part of what separates the really great photographers from the rest is their passion for their subject. That passion comes through in your work. If you're taking a job for the money alone then that passion just won't be there. Yes if nobody else knows about it it mightn't affect your wedding and portrait work directly, but if you do only a so-so job on it then that might influence how people imagine your other work to be. Perception is everything in this business and we're all only as good as our last assignment. If you can financially afford to do it then sticking to the jobs you know you can hit out of the ballpark will soon have you known as the go-to photographer in the area you want to work in.</p>