Pricing question

[EricW]

Thought I would throw this out to you folks. I am not a pro, but I am a pretty decent photographer nontheless. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
My son is a real estate leasing broker in Manhattan (that's is NY City for those who are not from NY) and as a favor to him, I shot images of some of the buildings that he represents so that he can post them on his website and in his brochures. (He is just starting out and broke) <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Some of the other brokers in his firm saw my work and decided that my images were actually better than the ones that they had done for their buildings. Several have asked me to shoot buildings for them. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The jobs are actually quite easy. Plant a tripod in front, wait for a break in the traffic and shoot; some minimal PS time to fix keystoning, tweak color, etc and I have the individual image to give the broker for his use. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Any idea what to charge? I haven't a clue. I don't think I need to retain the copyright since there really is no future use for the image. I was considering selling the broker unrestricted right to use the photo as he/she sees fit. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
I figure someone on this site has more experience than I in this matter. I am not concerned with the technical aspects of producing the shot, just the selling of the image.

[AndyK]

First off, figure out exactly how much time (shooting time + post processing + delivering + <BR>
phone calls) it takes. Next add any costs such as parking, travel expenses, prints or CDs.<BR>
Figure the minimum you'll have to get paid per hour to make it worth your time, multiply<BR>
that times the number of hours then add the total costs. That is your bottom figure to<BR>
quote them. Add a bit more to it for padding and/or things like equipment wear and tear.<BR>
<BR>
I would not give them all rights to the image, but would give them limited rights to use the<BR>
image for advertising their business purposes. You don't want one of them to SELL your<BR>
picture to an ad agency for big-time dollars do you? Retain any other rights, put it in<BR>
writing, be sure the total dollar amount owed to you is on it, then get them to sign it.<BR>
Otherwise you may have trouble getting paid at some point.<BR>
Best,<BR>
<BR>
Andy<BR>

[Skipper]

<BR>
<BR>
Charge $50 per hour... and charge for the post-processing time in front of your computer as well as for the actual shooting time.<BR>

[David]

If you are having to drive long distances you could add a mileage fee to help cover gas costs.

[ImgPro]

Eric,<BR>
<BR>
This may or may not help. I get a minimum of $100 per shoot (1 shot or 20) and $.50 a mile there and back plus $5.00 per 8x10 print. It sounds like your situation would fall within these guidelines. Keep in mind that prices for services can vary greatly form one part of the country to the next.<BR>
<BR>
Craig

[EricW]

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

[GMG111]

Eric - check your PM

[ProfessorLynn]

Hi Eric,<BR>
<BR>
I've been a potographer for nearly 6 decades including having lived in "the city" (that's Manhattan for you non New Yorkers) a couple of times. In the '50's there was a $.3.00 tripod license, in the '60's it was $16.00. Now I believe it is in the hundreds of dollars, so I suggest that you check to be sure about your situation and don't let a cop see you with a tripod mounted camera and no license, the fine is outrageous!<BR>
<BR>
Lynn

[coppertop]

a tripod license?<BR>
you got to be kidding. <BR>

[ZBaum]

A tripod license is THE most rediculous thing I've ever heard of. I would rather rough it without a tripod than have to pay some stupid license fee or some horrible fine for not having one.<BR>
<BR>
-Zach<BR>