Pics for homebuilder opportunity

[TootysMom]

Yesterday I had a proposition for an opportunity to take pictures of homes for a homebuilder's website. I've never been asked before, so I'm not sure what I would charge or if there's anything I need to be aware of or protect myself from in this scenario. Of course, I wouldn't charge as much as someone who does these kinds of shots on a regular basis, but I want to know a general range. I think I remember a couple of members doing this sort of thing and I was wondering if I could get some advice. Many thanks!

[VisConPhoto]

When I shoot these I do an hourly rate, and then I license the images to them to use.

[CaptainTom]

Of course, I wouldn't charge as much as someone who does these kinds of shots on a regular basis

Why wouldn't you ? Are these photos going to be any less important to the builder just because you took them ?
If you want to go and undercut the other photographers then that is your business, but don't ask us how much you should charge in order to do that.

[TootysMom]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Why wouldn't you ? Are these photos going to be any less important to the builder just because you took them ?
If you want to go and undercut the other photographers then that is your business, but don't ask us how much you should charge in order to do that.

I'm sorry Tom, I think you misunderstood. I'm not trying to undercut other photographers at all. I was just assuming that since I wasn't as experienced as others who would do this type of work, I wouldn't charge as much. I'm simply looking for a ballpark figure to shoot for, maybe I'll just do my own research.

[Mindy H]

I charge by the hour for the shoot....then, per image for the digital files. If they only want one file then I charge $xxx for that file.....then, the more images that they purchase the lower the per file cost is.

[TootysMom]

Thanks for the responses so far. It looks like the majority of you are charging for the job and then per image that the client wants to use. How did y'all determine the pricing that you would use?

[gmarblestone]

I would figure out what your time is worth to you, figure out the amount of hours you will need to complete the job (travel, setup, shoot, post process, delivery) and then charge accordingly. And then per image as others have stated. Remember you probably have to charge tax for this so be careful that your tax stuff is in order. I would say minimum probably 75 an hour. You also should look at other people's sites to make sure you can provide what the quality of images the builder is expecting. Here are some of tarick's here.

On the other hand...

I think the issue of undercutting comes up often on the board and i am not sure which way i feel is right (because neither probably is). I mean i know a guy that is very good and charges accordingly. I have been asked to do some jobs recently that i KNOW he is more qualified to do than me, but does that mean i should just give every opportunity to him? I need to grow and learn as well and it would NOT be fair of me to charge the person the same amount as this guy. Is this undercutting him? WE live in a free market (mostly) and if i want to charge 10 bucks for a 5 hour photo session then that is my business. Being a professional photographer is not a right, its a privilege. If you are unable to stay in business because others are charging too little, then maybe you need to figure out some other way to stay in business or change. Yes cheaper DSLR's has taken the advantage away from the professional photographer and there is a huge influx of what most people would call wanabe pros. This is just a market change.

Sorry to hijack a bit.

Good luck!

[Mindy H]

Originally Posted by TootysMom

How did y'all determine the pricing that you would use?

I know what I need to make per shooting hour to keep my business where it needs to be...regardless of if it is a commercial job or my regular portrait customers. Before I started doing any commercial work, I did some research with other photographers...not just in this area, but other states too....and, there is a huge range in pricing. The price is something that you will have to determine that fits your own needs....you can't base it on what others are charging.

Do remember though. Your commercial clients are using your images to turn around and make a profit. They are not just buying portraits to send to grandma. Price accordingly.

[prncfarquad]

I shoot pictures for a construction company that are used for their website and I put together a 16x20 collage (sometimes bigger depending on the job). This company is my first paying client and I was not afraid to charge "pro" prices. I too charge by the hour. time starts when my key hits the ignition switch and ends when I get home with a minimum of 2hrs travel time.

I also charge for conversion to the web, post production on the collage, and the print itself.

My opinion is charge what you feel your time is worth and not a penny less
as far as how I determined my pricing..I looked at a bunch of threads here and calculated what my time is worth to me and came up with a price that I felt was fair for both me and the client. I know this is general info but only you can determine what your time is worth

[TootysMom]

Thanks everyone! I really value your advice on this and I'm so thankful I have this forum as a great learning tool and resource for great information like this!

[ndsimm]

they paid Pros in the past and now they want to pay you - call other companies and find out what they pay photographers for what you are being asked to do and - once again - charge accordingly

if you're worried about losing the job because you may charge too much, then you will lose it next time they need someone and find someone cheaper

[toverman]

If you're ready to charge for your work, charge a fair price (this has more or less been said above). If your business progresses, it would be hard to overcome a bargain price because repeat customers won't understand why the price is rising.

[CaptainTom]

I charge a daily rate, and have a half daily rate which is 65% of the daily rate.
I include pp in my rate and it is higher than if I charged just for the shoot and then by the hour for PP.

If they hire you then the photos you give them will not be worth less than someone else's photos. They may not be the same. They may be BETTER.

Pricing rule #1 - Never charge the client according to how much YOU could afford !! (p.s. no charge for this advice, because you get what you pay for.)

[dpena]

Mr Tom that was very nice of you Sir............

[CaptainTom]

Pricing rule #2

(p.s. no charge for this advice, because you get what you pay for.)