event photography pricing

[Trish1977]

I searched for an answer to this and couldn't find it...

I've been asked to shoot an awards ceremony for students and the party afterwards. They want photos of every student receiving their award (about 100) and candid shots of the party afterwards. The event will last about 4 hours total. I will then have the photos available to view and purchase online, but I will give the organization the digital files.

This will be great exposure to a lot of families. What fee should I charge the organization to do the event? There's no guarantee I'll have a lot of print sales.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[ndsimm]

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ighlight=event

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ighlight=event

[CallMeAl]

I've been contacted several times with the promise "You'll make lots of money. Everyone will buy them!" It never worked out that way.

Now for events like that, I'd charge by the hour or flat rate to make sure I'm paid. Then provide the organization the files and let them sell them. If "everyone will buy" they should be able to make up the money they paid me and make "a lot" of money for their organization. When it's put that way...they never seem to think it's that great of a money making opportunity after all.

As for pricing though, make sure you include your travel time, set-up/break down time, actual shooting time, post processing time, delivery time, etc

[toverman]

If you have time to set this up, an effective way to sell prints is to collect money at the time of the event. Have a couple of standard print packages to choose from. Don't expect to make much or any if you were to put images online and try to sell prints that way.

Does the organization have the time or ability to sell prints on their own? If you're able to go that route, I'd settle on a flat fee for your time.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

If you are giving them the files then you are just handing money away to them. (Price the job at least at $75 and hour for the whole shoot and post time-Hence 5 hrs + 5 post or $750 and then don't expect to get any sales after the fact since they will have the files).

Now if you have an assistant, a laptop and a onsite printer then you can offer 8x10's for $15 or so each at the show and the people can buy them there at the event after they get the award. (this would not reduce the fee that you charge the function).

The $750 is on the LOW end for this job.