See ya in Chicago in Nov

You make solid points at the route of the idea. Easier for both you and your client. Plus, If they want more images or someone else would like copies you have the opportunity to make additional income. A favorite point of mine, that I failed to mention in the original post.

Thank you for your input.

Rosh

The advantages to the client are that it is very easy for them to calculate the cost of their project ahead of time, and they aren’t stuck with images they don’t like.

For me? Every time they decide to use a photo I get paid for it – I’ve been getting royalties on some photos for years. Also, I’m not “on the meter” when I am shooting, so I am free to shoot everything that interests me and take some risks. It also makes bidding a job easier, at least for me.

My goal is always to look at a client as someone I intend to have as a client for 10 or 20 years, and behave accordingly. To that end, I try to make working with me as pleasant as possible.

There are millions of great photographers out there. The only thing we really have to sell is service.

Forgive me Stan, but you are making much of my point about photographers being more focused on themselves. You can protect yourself in your contract multiple ways. For example, line item the assistants cost or require a minimum number of shots to be purchased.

But, I’m recommending photographers implement a system that offers the opportunity to make more money overall for their productivity and good work. A system that shares risk, but offers great rewards. Shouldering some of the risk is should be acceptable, in my opinion. I rather a client be happy that they got all the shots at the agree upon price and had a great experience and wants to tell others.

Maybe in the case of the annual report work a project basis is best. $3000 for six shots But, leave out the word day rate.

Thanks again for your great comments Stan,

Rosh

I like the idea of per shot pricing in certain circumstance. Headshots and events are a perfect example and for clients who have no experience working with photographers.

I’m not so sure this would be fair for the photographer in a corporate or Annual Report shoot. For instance, a job requires six shoots to be completed in one day. You charge $500 per shot including assistant, digital capture and one select from the scene. You quote $3000 for the project which includes delivery to the client six images, with the understanding that any additional images selected by the client of a particular scene would cost extra(agreed on beforehand).

It’s the day of the shoot and everything is progressing nicely but for some unforeseen reason one of the shots has to be postponed to another day. Unless it’s spelled out before hand, the client may expect the photographer to come back a second day to complete the job for the same $3000.00. Returning a second day for $500.00 is a bad deal. Even worse, if while on location the client decides to cancel shots #5 and #6, is he only required to pay $2000 for job? Good for the client but the photographer who has committed a whole day.

Best…Stan

Thanks for your comments and being apart of the community. I had good time in Denver. I hope to visit again soon.

Btw, thanks for the introduction to the new media photography concepts at your recent presentation in Denver — I was the other guy who grew up in Detroit!

Robert.