So I got an amazing inquiry from a huge international company to do the childcare center photography for their next brochure run. I love that they sought out lifestyle children's photography for this!
I've been a good little researcher and dowloaded FotoQuote. BUT... the rates just seem huge! And I thought my wedding rates were crazy. I had a great call with a woman from the company and got terrific details about what they are looking for, but I'm cautious about really sending her these rates.
I think I need an OSP coach with experience in this area? I'd be so happy to coach back with anything I know. (Lots of expreience with kids, dogs, and horses and a very blessed wedding business getting off the ground.)
This is an incredible opportunity and I need help! Anyone with commercial experience out there?
(Oh, and I agreed to send them a bid tomorrow. Silly, Paige...)
Full Version: Commercial Inquiry
Paige,
Last year I delved into the world of commercial photography and way underbid myself! I thought I was doing well to make thousands off of a website job, but when I heard the other bids I realized how I was short changing myself. Also, the work ended up being a lot more than I had anticipated with my time e-mailing, on the phone, working with art directors, etc. I did the work for my town that I live in, their entire website pics. Well, they ended up using the pics for calendars, publications, ads....my images were everywhere, which was GREAT, however, I was only paid what once. Other guys came in with quotes of $10,000 and up for 60 images WITH art direction. I thought that was outrageous and so came in at $3600 or so.
They didn't want to pay for art direction so I ended up having to "guess" at what they wanted, which in the end meant a lot more time shooting trying to get what was necessary with very little communication. This was a valuable lesson for me. Now I charge what seems like A LOT, but I can hire more assistants, lighting crews if necessary and really do a great job and know I earned it, I feel valued and smile about those little things they might call for later that I will do at no charge.
I am not sure what quote you came up with, but how many images are they asking for? Are these images only for the one brochure or will they be used on websites, posters, ads, etc. If this is a situation where they are going to get many years worth of use out of the images then a large ticket up front doesn't seem so bad.
More details? Some charge by the image with a usage fee, others charge a flat fee...but how many hours are you anticipating, art direction, etc? Hard to guage what to charge without more info:)
Exciting opportunity and how great it is that you are shooting something you love! I ended up shooting water waste plants, parks...only so much I can do with a bunch of bugs eating from poop rivers...I did learn a lot though, but that is another topic!
Jenny
Last year I delved into the world of commercial photography and way underbid myself! I thought I was doing well to make thousands off of a website job, but when I heard the other bids I realized how I was short changing myself. Also, the work ended up being a lot more than I had anticipated with my time e-mailing, on the phone, working with art directors, etc. I did the work for my town that I live in, their entire website pics. Well, they ended up using the pics for calendars, publications, ads....my images were everywhere, which was GREAT, however, I was only paid what once. Other guys came in with quotes of $10,000 and up for 60 images WITH art direction. I thought that was outrageous and so came in at $3600 or so.
They didn't want to pay for art direction so I ended up having to "guess" at what they wanted, which in the end meant a lot more time shooting trying to get what was necessary with very little communication. This was a valuable lesson for me. Now I charge what seems like A LOT, but I can hire more assistants, lighting crews if necessary and really do a great job and know I earned it, I feel valued and smile about those little things they might call for later that I will do at no charge.
I am not sure what quote you came up with, but how many images are they asking for? Are these images only for the one brochure or will they be used on websites, posters, ads, etc. If this is a situation where they are going to get many years worth of use out of the images then a large ticket up front doesn't seem so bad.
More details? Some charge by the image with a usage fee, others charge a flat fee...but how many hours are you anticipating, art direction, etc? Hard to guage what to charge without more info:)
Exciting opportunity and how great it is that you are shooting something you love! I ended up shooting water waste plants, parks...only so much I can do with a bunch of bugs eating from poop rivers...I did learn a lot though, but that is another topic!
Jenny
Thanks, Jenny! There are babies in the shoot, so I may not have rivers of poo but it could get ugly... 
I didn't want to put too many specifics up since I'm cautious about Google crawling around. PMing you...
I didn't want to put too many specifics up since I'm cautious about Google crawling around. PMing you...
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