Very First Job

[TexasShutterBug]

Ok so I have been hired to shoot a contract signing.
It will be this man and his publicist signing their contract and them together and him and his wife and some other people.

First of all I have NO CLUE what to charge. How do I determine that? I am a beginner, never had these kinds of jobs and things before.

Second, what kind of equipment do I NEED? I am thinking of buying a flash for my camera before this, I have about $200-250 to spend on one, is that enough? I have a kit lens and a 500 f/1.8. Will those be ok? There is no way I can buy a new lens, but what kind of flash should I get? Of course a tri-pod right, I have two batteries, and a good memory card. It isn't a huge event just a contract signing.




HELLLLLLLP

[krodgers]

definatly need a flash, and either remote the flash or buy cable so you can keep this flash off of camera. maybe also pick up a bounce disk and have someone hold for directing some light for you. as for purchasing a lens you can always rent one for this shoot.

As for charging think about it as an hourly fee and charge by hour.

[CaptainTom]

"And another professional photographer is born"

Seriously. Rent the best possible glass that is available. When you shoot, leave room at the edges for cropping, keeping in mind that your viewfinder is not an 8X10 format. I would use my 17-40f4L because I know it's sweet spot and have complete confidence in the IQ. Your 500 is useless here. Rent a flash if you can't afford the best. Practice with these before you show up for the shoot.

I charge a daily rate, and a half daily rate ( daily rate / 2 plus 10% ). Count the time it takes you to get to the shoot, do the shoot, drive home, process the photos, deliver the product. I never quote less than a half daily rate for commercial customers even if it's one exposure and takes five minutes.

If you quote an hourly rate, the client will put you on the clock and you will be rushed to get the job done too soon. They'll also try to get you to break up an hour into halves, quarters, etc.

Search the internet for hand shake photos, contract signing, etc. etc. find all the photos you can. Study them and then try to copy the style of the ones you like.

This is my plan, and is not unusual in the business.

[TexasShutterBug]

I meant a 50mm f/1.8

[CaptainTom]

The 50mm will probably be too much lens for this shoot unless you can get a long ways away and keep several people in the frame. Under NO circumstances should you line these folks up left to right and take a picture.

Here's an example of using a high angle and getting three in the shot with the document.



Here's a BAD example ( mine )

[TexasShutterBug]

I was wondering how to pose them, thanks for the example. I am not good at posing. Does anyone have iste suggestions on how to do it well? I have a few sites saved to read but want more.

[TexasShutterBug]

Ok these flashes are in my price range BUT are any of them any good?

http://www.adorama.com/CA430EXUKA.html
http://www.adorama.com/DC952AFCAN.html
http://www.adorama.com/SG530EOS.html
http://www.adorama.com/SG530STSG.html


Now I dont know what those do or the difference. I need one that goes on my camera, With the off camera ones, where do you put it (stupid question i know) Is there a special tripod like flash holder (pathetic im sure lol) Ive got $200-300 to spend on one. I need one anyways so this is just motivation to buy one.

[TexasShutterBug]

I found this one
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...e?O=product&A=...

Does it go on the camera? What do I need to buy with it??? Is it good for this kind of thing?

[krodgers]

btw you can also rent a flash

[TexasShutterBug]

Originally Posted by krodgers

btw you can also rent a flash

Ive been wanting to buy one anyways just need suggestions on which to buy

[David Whatley]

Stacy, I "assume" you are comfortable using manual? If so, do a search on ebay for 199A
Thats a good little flash and will work for you.
I will say what others are thinking.
You are in over your head on this, and really shouldnt be doing the shoot.
DW

[TexasShutterBug]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

Stacy, I "assume" you are comfortable using manual? If so, do a search on ebay for 199A
Thats a good little flash and will work for you.
I will say what others are thinking.
You are in over your head on this, and really shouldnt be doing the shoot.
DW

I am extremely comfortable with manual on my camera.


What leads you to say that I am in over my head???????????? Because I dont know about flashes?
I am very comfortable with the manual setting on my camera, is it because I dont have enough gear? Not sure I understand why you said that, how do you ever get started if you dont step out there and do things?

I think what David is trying to say is that there are several areas in which you are unprepared for the job. 1. You do not have the proper gear (flash, lens, additional lighting, backup gear, etc.). 2. You are not experienced with posing.

Think of it this way. Your car breaks down and needs a new timing belt and you have to hire a mechanic. Do you take it to a shop or do you take it to the neighbor who has a basic tool box and whom you have seen change his brake pads. He is very good with mechanical things and is learning the job.

Everyone starts somewhere but what you have to take into account is that almost every business you start requires some kind of financial investment. You could not be a baker without buying ovens, mixers, refrigerators, etc. This business is no different. And as with any business, it requires education of some kind (formal or hands-on)

If you are gonna do it. Know it. If you are gonna do it, do it the best ever. If you are gonna do it, make sure you invest lots of time learning the trade from front to back.

I have to admit that I find it frustrating to be around "professional photographers" and hear questions like "What is feathering light?" and "How do you use a light meter?"

With all that in mind and from your description, it does appear that you are in over your head.

And lastly, before you accept that money make sure you have all your legally required business stuff in place. You are now "in-business" and have to collect sales tax, pay personal property taxes, etc.

[TexasShutterBug]

I was going to get this lens, ya think it'll be any good? Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III Autofocus Lens



I am talking to the lady now to see what this person wants exactly and see if I can do it. If i back out like ya'll say is there a place on here i can help her find a "real" photographer?

[David Whatley]

Stacy, I wasnt trying to be offensive, and Tina summed it up fairly well. I'm also not trying to imply your not a good photographer, just not prepared for this job.
With that said, since your comfortable with manual, then your welcome to borrow a flash that will work for this job from me. That way you wont have to buy one that later may not suit your needs.

Where is the shoot going to be?
You say "It will be this man and his publicist signing their contract and them together and him and his wife and some other people."
How many "other people"?
What will the photos be used for?

Lots of questions, that all need answering.
Feel freee to PM me if you like.
DW