Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Damon · **My ex-employer still wants photos -** 08-20-2009, 12:51 PM

Here's my situation:

Up until very recently, I worked for a company that specialized in construction materials (wall systems, insulation, stucco, etc.). While I worked there as a graphic artist, every once in a while I would do some jobsite photos for them. I never minded before because a) I was on the clock; b) I was using their camera; and c) It got me out of the office for a bit.

But I just got laid off this week, and my boss knows I was doing my own photography on the side, and asked me to give him a price list for my services.

I hate to break it to them, but if they think they're going to get those photos for as cheap as they were before, they have another thing coming.

Unfortunately, I don't know where to start as far as deciding how much to charge for jobsite photography. I know it's not cheap, but I also know the corporate headquarters in California hire photogs to do their work for them over there all the time. So they know what the going rate is.

I don't want to sell myself short. I hope you guys and gals can help me out. Is it best to charge a day rate? per job?

thanks

bryanlindsey · 08-20-2009, 01:01 PM

I would charge as close to "hourly" as possible. But that may just be me.

CaptainTom · 08-20-2009, 01:09 PM

I have a day rate and a half day rate.

The day rate is $1600 and the half day rate is $900.

These are relatively low in my area (DFW) .

I wouldn't charge by the hour, or by the job, or by the image for job site images.
It's not like you would use them for something else.

If they balk at the rates, remind them that you now have to pay all of your own expenses, overhead, equipment, insurance, etc. just like they do.

Kalrog · 08-20-2009, 01:14 PM

I know it sucks to get laid off, but that really is a kind thing that your former boss is offering you. He probably feels bad about it as well and wants to get a nice win/win out of the deal - so if you are reasonable (and I bow to others with more knowledge on that front) my guess is you will get the job before someone else will.

Damon · 08-20-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalrog

I know it sucks to get laid off, but that really is a kind thing that your former boss is offering you. He probably feels bad about it as well and wants to get a nice win/win out of the deal - so if you are reasonable (and I bow to others with more knowledge on that front) my guess is you will get the job before someone else will.

My boss is being awesome about it, and I have no animosity towards him. I'm also doing as much as I can to help him out (b/c I was the only one there who knew how to do what I do), and Corporate isn't letting them pick up anyone else who can. But he knows the score just like I do. Corporate was getting a steal for what I was getting paid.

But it's Corporate who pays the bills. If they don't want to pay a Pro Photographer for their jobsite photos, they shouldn't have laid me off.

bondarnes · 08-20-2009, 01:39 PM

If you charge anything less than you made in a day at your job, you are selling yourself way short. Tom's quotes are fair, so I wouldn't recommend going much below those.

Damon · 08-20-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bondarnes

If you charge anything less than you made in a day at your job, you are selling yourself way short. Tom's quotes are fair, so I wouldn't recommend going much below those.

I agree. Thanks for your help guys.

Some Idiot · 08-20-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon

Here's my situation:

Up until very recently, I worked for a company that specialized in construction materials (wall systems, insulation, stucco, etc.). While I worked there as a graphic artist, every once in a while I would do some jobsite photos for them. I never minded before because a) I was on the clock; b) I was using their camera; and c) It got me out of the office for a bit.

But I just got laid off this week, and my boss knows I was doing my own photography on the side, and asked me to give him a price list for my services.

I hate to break it to them, but if they think they're going to get those photos for as cheap as they were before, they have another thing coming.

Unfortunately, I don't know where to start as far as deciding how much to charge for jobsite photography. I know it's not cheap, but I also know the corporate headquarters in California hire photogs to do their work for them over there all the time. So they know what the going rate is.

I don't want to sell myself short. I hope you guys and gals can help me out. Is it best to charge a day rate? per job?

thanks

Call and get some quotes from other well knowns and deduct ??% for your services

CallMeAl · 08-20-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalrog

I know it sucks to get laid off, but that really is a kind thing that your former boss is offering you. He probably feels bad about it as well and wants to get a nice win/win out of the deal - so if you are reasonable (and I bow to others with more knowledge on that front) my guess is you will get the job before someone else will.

As much as I'd like to believe that this is all true. They (the business) are in the business of making money and that includes getting what they want as cheaply as possible. Why did they allow him to shoot the photos before? I would be willing to bet that it is partly due to cost. What does a Graphic Artist cost to shoot photos? Nothing when you already work for the company and make it a part of your job function. Now that they've laid you off, what does a full time professional photographer (former graphic artist) cost to shoot those same photos? If it was me, it would be the going rate. Listen to Tom and Don...they know!