Local Businesses
 

Hello all - just a quick question to ask all you established pros how much you would roughly charge a local business who wants you take pictures of their products for their website? I've been asked to do exactly this for someone and I've just got no point of reference and wondered if someone could offer some insight?

Many thanks in advance for taking the time to give this advice.

I have seen a table produced by the Nation Union of Journalists touted for this type of question previously. That could be a good place to start.:)

Check this site out. :D

[url]http://www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/index.php?section=Photography[/url]

Not sure the London rates could be applied everywhere but useful table Oldboy - thanks for posting.
Made me realise I am charging more than list for some things and less for others and that much depends upon what the client is looking for and how they came across you I feel. If this client just knows you are handy with a camera and local it might be they have a really low figure in mind. I`ve had a couple fo requests for product shoots for catalogues and ebay / the like from small dealers who think you should be willing to do it for £25-50 because they are only a few little things and you don`t need to change anything once you set up! Trouble is they don`t see processing time and how it sits alongside other work. If they know you are a photographer that sells then maybe they have a higher figure in mind but best advice I can give is to:

1. Set up for an hour at home with a pile of similar items. See what you can do in an hour in terms of numbers
2. See how long it takes to process those images
3. Think about what is the least you`d take and most you`sd ask for.
4. Ask yourself if there might be any spin off / follow up work
5. Quote the guy your higher figure and when he/she stutters ask them what they were looking to pay.

If their figure is higher than your lowest fgure try to get them to meet half way between your top figure and theirs. If they won`t accept the lower figure if it was above your bottom limit saying that you`re giving it as an introductory rate and what chance is there of more business to encourage your helping out. Ask them not to divulge your booking figure as it is a special rate


Good luck - it`s cutthroat out there and if you don`t do it he will find someone else to do it cheap so how bad do you want the experience / chance?

The NUJ recommended rates aren't just for London. However I wouldn't apply those to commission work anyway, as you'll be severely underpricing yourself. I use a set rate like that (or Alamy's) for the use of back catalogue stuff. But commissions are for custom work that should be charged for as such. What you charge should compensate you for your time; your shoot, travel and equipment expenses; your expertise; your costs of doing business and an appropriate amount to cover your wage. Given that, only you can decide what to be charging really.

[QUOTE=jinky;53855]Not sure the London rates could be applied everywhere but useful table Oldboy - thanks for posting.
[/QUOTE]

Like all things it's just a guide or a starting point. If you check out the site it also lists corporate rates and other rates for all situations that might arise. Remember, these rates reflect the work you have done by taking the photos, the investment you have made in equipment, in time for travelling, waiting around to take the shot, processing images and providing contact sheets plus CD/DVDs etc. Don't forget tax and national insurance. :D