An event question

[Breezy]

I have been asked to photograh a "ball" not THE Navy ball but a ball none the less lol.
THe only specs given to me so far are
apx 2 hours and 50-60 couples.
Any suggestions on hourly fee to charge command? Since this would be my first gig like this?
I think I have a good idea as to the packages to offer as we always go to the "Navy" ball and it is similart just less people.
TIA

[Bruce M. Morris]

Breezy, I think normally the photographers put the shooting fee into the cost of the packages so it is up to the individual couples to pay for their photos. Are you shooting photos of the dancing as well? Or just formals? My experience with military Functions has always been a little strange having been a Navy Photographer. The Command would expect me to show up with camera to work while everyone else was having fun, considering it part of my duties.
Once you get into that, you can do well. Especially if you can get some of the Senior Commands in the area interested.
Have they told you where the Ball will be? On base or out in town? There are some very nice facilities around Tidewater... Sorry running away with thoughts.. Love to hear how it works out.

[CaptainTom]

It depends entirely on how they normally structure the purchase situation.
I assume you'll be taking formals of the couples, as well as PJ of the event ?

Unless they have a set procedure (and they are military after all) I'd treat it like I do a Prom. I'd charge command a fee for shooting the event ( $500 or whatever you think the traffic will bear ) and then present the formals on line with a purchase option (exposure manager does a great job).
Here's an example http://tomthompson.exposuremanager.com/ Prom password is colonial.

[Breezy]

Thanks Tom I will ask more questions.
Bruce
As for where it will be, she said Dam Neck. It is just the chiefs ball. BUT if they like me and my work then I am sure I could get lots of exposure from this.
All of the balls we have been to there is no way that the photographers structured the time into the packages cause they were like $15 for a 5X7 and 8 wallets or $24 for 8X10 and 2 5X7s. I will check with her and see what she says.
We haven't heard if DH made chief yet or not and atleast if I shoot this one then it won't be the one he would go to if he does make it lol so no conflict of interest.
Thanks again for the suggestions and questions from both of you. I will have to see what she says when I present her with some of these questions.

[SGPhoto]

Breezy,
Need any help on this one? Would love to come down and assist if needed, that is if I knew the dates/time/place and your interest that is:)

I got to be in VA Beach next month on Tuesday August 12th but not sure what time I am going to get there, maybe if your not far from there we could hook up for lunch or something.

It will be a HUGE night for me so I will more than likely try to get there REAL EARLY.

Hope to meet you soon,

Stephen Gibson

[KdLaneJr]

Breezy, sending you a PM with some area contacts. SCRATCH that! Your PM inbox is full.

[Breezy]

Sorry Ken I just emailed you lol
I can never keep it clean
I will try to purge some in a bit

Stephen I would love to have some help if you are really interested. I think she said the date is the 29th of Sep. I will check that and get back to you.

As for meeting in August, I will actually be in NC that week. The kids go to camp the 10-16th. I will be up your way before the end of August if we find dds Gift certificate to Hooters lol.

BTW you do know that Trace Adkins is coming to NAB LC Friday and it is Free right?
We definately have to meet.