Pricing for all day shoot!

[richard13]

Hi! I'm new to the business and specialize in children and families. Most of these jobs take about an hour and I charge $150.00 sitting fee. This job involves shooting a political candidate running for a state office. They want to shoot in 4-6 environments inside/out and assume it will take all day. Not responsible for PP work.
I have an idea that they work with a "Do it for the team" mentality and maybe expect a really good price. I have no affiliation with this person but want to be fair! I would like to charge $100.00 an hour.

[S-Man]

It's hard work and I think you're about right on the hourly wage. That's just my opinion though. I'm not speaking with a ton of experience.

[texkam]

Your amount sounds fair. Use caution. Political campaigns are notorious for running out of money.

[richard13]

Thanks for the comments!

[pcoursey]

Amen to what Mark said. ALWAYS collect on delivery of the product or service. I was in the printing business for over 30 years and lost several thousand $s over the years. Once the election is held, if they have not paid, they have no incentive to pay you. You have nothing you can take back. Friends and people you know are the worst.
Pat

[richard13]

This guy is just starting his run! I was going to make clear up front to get payment at the end of the day.

Thanks

[toverman]

You might use your hourly figure to come up with a total price with a few hours added in, and then give them the total charge. If it takes less time than expected, you're compensated – and you'd be unlikely to be able to schedule any other photo sessions that day having to be flexible on the assignment.

Scary thing is that they will handle the post-processing. Considering that all digital files need at least a slight tweak to make them their best, I wonder if they've got a Photoshop expert on staff?

[texkam]

Scary thing is that they will handle the post-processing.

As discussed on another thread, most photogs don't give out their digital negs. I don't usually either, but will for the right price. Something for you to consider in your pricing.

I would probably offer them hi-res files that they will own and therefore can alter (if they really must) as they see fit, but at least you have control over poorly exposed images, OOF images, or just bad shots.

[bryanlindsey]

Sounds fair.

[Damon]

I would NEVER let someone else PP my images, especially if these images will be representative of my work.