I guess this is a business question

[Jeff_Green]

I was recently (yesterday) contacted about doing some photography work for a companies product. I have never done this, but don't have any doubt that photography-wise I can handle it. My question to the forum is this...

What kind of rates are charged for product photography? He is only looking for a couple shots for a brochure. One of the front of the product and a small one of the back. Any suggestions as to rates or anyone do this have a range that they use?

Thanks,
Jeff

ps. this is getting posted in two forums here so sorry if you double read this!

[HotHolly]

The answers are all over on that. Part of it is the company your working for - is it Gerber or someone less well known? That will affect their price.

There are several people in here that can answer this better than me. We've done commercial work with people as the subject matter. So Im guessing (but not sure) if that affects the price.

We also used the public pieces to help with getting our name out. So, the prices flux a lot based on those things. If these brochures will be all over, and something you'd like your name on, offering name placement as part of the deal would be good for you - unless its an embarrassing product of some sort. :o)

[Jeff_Green]

haha No, it isn't the pink stuff! lol It is a MUCH less known company, but the brochures will be distributed all across the country. The company is a small company and I am friends with the owner so I'm not looking at huge prices, but I know he can afford to pay me at the same time!

Jeff

[PeteQ]

Jeff, with nationwide circulation and two images of say 1/8 page on a product brochure, depending on the licensing you set up your range could be anywhere from $500+ per image. I would recommend using FotoQuote which is one of the industry standard pricing guides. With it you can get a more accurate range. If you don't value your images, no one else will either. Knowing the standard rates is a great way to establish competitive pricing. This is especially true if you are planning to do more of this type of work. Once you are established as the "friend of a friend rate photographer" you will find it hard to raise your rates and will be stuck in a tough business model to sustain. Since you posted this in the business forum I am assuming you are approaching this as a business and not a hobby where you are just looking to give something to your friend in return for your name under the image. While that's nice, it doesn't pay the bills.

[zepp]

If you don't have access to Fotoquote, here is a web reference that might be of interest to you.

http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

Good Luck

[PeteQ]

Frank, that's a great link! It's good for folks looking to do some "ball-parking" of prices.

[Jeff_Green]

Pete and Frank, thank you so much for the heads up on the two sites... both seem to be a valuable tool!

Pete, This is a business dealing but at the same time not only is he a friend but also my roommate! lol He wouldn't be offended if I charged him the going rates, and that is why I want to offer him a LITTLE break. The information you all have provided has helped and was kind of along the lines I was thinking. Thanks!

Jeff Green

[brad]

This is a good article, too: http://bermangraphics.com/press/stockphotography.htm