Interesting rant for commercial photographers

[ShaneKislack]

If you are or want to be a commercial photographer, here is an interesting rant on the PDN forum. (PDN is PhotoDistrictNews) At best it's a good read on how you should price your photography for the commercial market. At worst it's an interesting insight into the way photogs and clients think.

enjoy.

http://www.pdngallery.com/cgi-bin/ub...c;f=5;t=002542

[srwatters]

Reading this thread shows me that the commercial boards are just as rant-full as us amateurs

Interesting read. Tough business to be in full time if you ask me.

Thanks for the pointer Shane.

[ShaneKislack]

No problem, Scott. It always fascinates me that the first one to shoot down higher (notice I didn't say 'high') prices...are the photographers themselves!

I tell you your photograph is worth $1000...you say, "Great, I'll take $250". Mind blowing.

[CaptainTom]

From personal experience I will say that commercial photography is just like weddings.

You put in a bid, or quote on a job according to the specifications they give you. You can even "low ball" your estimates in hopes of getting the job. Someone else will do it cheaper. They get the job. They are out of business in a couple of years. You go out of business because you can't make a living. The new guys come in because there is an apparent void. The cycle starts all over again.

[onewingedangel73106]

wow I actually made it through the whole first page of that article and it made my head hurt lol, interesting yes but still made my head hurt.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

From personal experience I will say that commercial photography is just like weddings.

You put in a bid, or quote on a job according to the specifications they give you. You can even "low ball" your estimates in hopes of getting the job. Someone else will do it cheaper. They get the job. They are out of business in a couple of years. You go out of business because you can't make a living. The new guys come in because there is an apparent void. The cycle starts all over again.

Tom's right. That's why it all comes down to relationships. Just replying to bids and crossing your fingers won't keep food on the table.

[ShaneKislack]

Sorta, Tom...but commercial photography is a little different. IMHO, you need to create a style that people pay you for. You cannot compete on price...as you said...someone will always do it cheaper.

The thing about style is that a company can spend hundreds of thousands...if not millions...on a campaign. They are going to get the photographer that sells that product with his style even if he charges $20K. Precisely why you need to specialize. They don't care if you can shoot people, dogs and houses. They want the best people shooter, or the best dog shooter.

[ShaneKislack]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Tough business to be in full time if you ask me.

I think any business for yourself is tough. If it weren't, everybody would do it. And if you are going to have a rough time of it...I can think of worse industries.

[barP]

thanks for posting, shane! good information for a lot of reasons.

wp.