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Photography Question 

Jon M. Trombetto
 

What to Charge for head shots


I can use your help. I'm a serious amateur photographer. It is not my day job just a hobby. I have taken photos of friends and family for years and they are always liked - nothing fancy. I was approached by a good friend at a radio station with an idea to trade head shot photos of radio personalities in exchange for some free air time for my regular business. I asked for photo credits. We still have to work out what I want either on a per hour basis or a per headshot. I have never done this before and need your expertise to determine what I should do as to charges, rights to photos etc. etc. Please give me some guidance. I have a Canon 5D, tripod, a 430Ex & 580EX flash, Canon 70-200mm IS f2.8 L lens / 28-135 IS lens / 17-40mm f4.0 L lens / Tamron 28-70mm f2.8 lens.


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August 27, 2007

 

Mark Feldstein
  Greetings Jon: Ask your good friend what the radio station charges per minute of on air advertising during prime time (morning or afternoon) based on SRDS (standard rate data service). Take that number, multiply x 60 minutes and you'll get a price per hour. That's what to charge.

Consider the value of your work to the radio station and the fact that there are pros who would charge a radio station professional rates. Even though this is your hobby, why should you charge any less just because you're not a professional photographer?
Why should you diminish the value of your work to anyone, friends or not, professional or amateur.

Charge the radio station your full retail based on their full retail. It doesn't matter a bit what you do for a living. It's the value of your work to them.

Trust me, I'm not kidding.
Take it light. ;>)
Mark
Mark


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August 28, 2007

 

Jon M. Trombetto
  I appreciate your feedback Mark. Unfortunately they needed an answer yesterday AM. The station people and I agreed on $500 per hour for a 4 hour period. I hope that was ok? It seemed pretty good to me. Is there anything else? I did ask for photo credits and they indicated that they may need additional photos at at some of their live broadcasting events.
Thanks again,
Jon T


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August 29, 2007

 

Debby A. Tabb
 
 
  Business Card
Business Card

Debby A. Tabb

 
 
Jon,
you did Very Well!
Get the agreement on paper and if this is a one day/ 4 hour job it should be paid in full at the shoot.
or at the very least 250 at shoot/250 at delivery.
Be Very good to this client and resonable as they are already paying you well and prepareing to use you again.
On going work with a client is valuable!
I hope this helps, wishing you hte very best in this venture,
Debby Tabb
** proper posing is key to this shoot, no straight on shots,remember to angle them.


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August 29, 2007

 

Jon M. Trombetto
  Debbie,

Thanks for the comments - it's greatly appreciated. Any tips on flash positioning to get the best shot? I have a Canon 430Ex/580EX/580EXII as well as a flash transmitter. I'm not so hot on lighting when it comes to something like this. Perhaps there is a website that will illustrate different lighting positions and their corresponding effects.

Thanks again,

Jon T


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August 29, 2007

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Jon,
I love "Lonesome in Bryce" this is a beautiful shot!
I have never used these flash units, however, use the smallest as your backlight, most powerful as Main/ Fill.
if you are looking for full lighting.
as a clock, you background and subject will be at 12:00/
Camera @6:00/ main light @3:00 / fill @ 7:00
Now you should get a model and do some test shots before your shoot.
This will help you to know where you may have to move your lighting a bit for perfection.
For a more dramatic look turn your fill off/using just your main.
When it comes to light the very BEST way to learn about it is to Play with it!
have a subject sit as you try two then one light moving them or it further and closer watching how light falls on the face.
Watching how that changes from two lights to using one.
If using a Tradional backdrop or white use a backlight.
If Black no backlight unless you use a gel.
if using the office as the backdrop(subject at desk) then you should use the backlight on the back wall.
I do hope this helps,
Debby


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August 29, 2007

 

Jon M. Trombetto
  Deb,

U DA BESTEST ----- thanks for your quick and helpful response.

Jon T


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August 29, 2007

 

Debby A. Tabb
  Always a Pleasure Jon.
Email or call if ya need more help.
Have a great day!
Debby


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August 29, 2007

 
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