Help! Commercial Shooting?

[*Mike*]

Okay, I've been approached by the owner of the very nice restaurant across from our studio. He's looking for a promotional shot to use on a billboard and on some other advertising stuff. It sounds like it's going to require a few models and some sophisticated lighting. Definitely not a "shoot & go" type deal...

Now, I realize that this has probably come up dozens of times... But, would you price by the hour? The job?

Help me here, I'm a wedding photographer! Which is also something to consider - we're not inexpensive wedding photographers, and I want to maintain that image. So the idea of just calling around some local places to see what they'd charge doesn't work... we're anywhere from 2x to 10x more pricey than the rest of the local crowd.

I've got a 2:00 meeting tomorrow. Unless I get some input I'm thinking I'll trade for a lifetime supply of Lobster Bisque.

[ndsimm]

the pricing calculator has served me well for some assignments:
http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

considering what you say you charge for weddings, are they aware of that cost? If so, then they shouldn't be surprised at your rate. I would charge your standard hourly rate for the initial shoot and then an additional charge for the images. they have obviously done this or something like this before so what was their budget last time??

[*Mike*]

Thanks Nathan, that'll give me a great start. I know that this restaurant has done this before, but for whatever reason they're not going back to whoever did it last time... I'll have to ask a bit, see what they've done in the past and what they're expecting.

For model costs and MUA's, do you simply pass those costs along then and stick with your hourly rate? I know that I'll be the one selecting and hiring the help...

[laawaaris]

i am not an expert, but i would itemize the quotation to them based on each aspect of service

- hourly rate
- MUA cost
- Model Cost
- and others

you should mark up the MUA and Model cost because you will be the one selecting them and also it doesn't make sense to do that for free ...

just some cents from me

[CobyPhoto]

Here is how I regularly price commercial work:

Per hour in Studio (Less) or on Location (more)
If the job requires assistants, I bill those at 35.00/hour
Travel (even though this isn't an issue with your work) I charge about 1.25/mile round trip.

Usually I am not responsible for Models (client has their own ideas as to what usually works here) and MUA. If requested to do so, I can line those up, and I simply charge the client what the Model, MUA charge me + small amount for the hassel of having to spend time on the phone etc. lining it all up. (Your time, even if you are just lining up Models and MUA is valuable, charge for it.)

I am assuming you will be shooting this all digital. [I still shoot alot of film for commercial work, so I have a schedule of costs for that depending on the film shot (2.25 or 45 sheet). Processing, proofing and even contact sheets are all expensed out...nothing is included in the above fee for my time.] Once I have the images, I charge based on the output: Low Res JPEG or TIFF or Hi-Res JPEG or TIFF.

Things to consider:
Deadline involved...(Rush charges) depends on the time line but up to 200% more.
Negatives/Images must be released to client (of TOTAL invoice) +100%
Exclusive total rights to images - permanent I charge +100% of the image price.
Exclusive single application usage - permanent I charge +35% of the image price.
Standard ONE TIME useage application - no additonal fee.

Background removal and retouching is quoted (depending on the complexity of the work) and before it is done.

A few questions to ask the client:

Special materials equipment? - this should be on the invoice as well. (at your cost + something for your time in lining it up.)
Is there a sample layout of the end application? - This will help you determine the way you shoot the images.
Room size and type of existing lighting...windows! and when the sun fronts those windows.
What size print is required for production...small flyer image or wall size banners etc.
Color or black and white.

Just a word to the wise, when you bill like this, clients are usually more demanding and expect more for their time. Have your shoot scheduled and planned to the T so you can walk in, (without rushing about) set-up, test, shoot and get it done. If you have to mess around too long with lighting and such, clients tend to get po'ed. (I charge about 285.00/hour and they want as few hours as possible to get it done!) Of course, you are not responsible for wardrobe & MUA time! LOL Believe me, the client will be rushing them along too if they aren't getting things done in a timely fashion.

CJ

[*Mike*]

Thanks guys! I'll keep you in the loop...