I realize how difficult it can be, especially in today’s market, to navigate photography rates. It seems that everyone is a photographer now, with the proliferation of camera phones and inexpensive Digital SLRs, so, in an attempt to make things a little easier for prospective clients to navigate, I’ve written a couple articles addressing the subject of rates and how to make sense of them all – what you’re getting for your money.
•Photography Rates Demystified
•Do Yourself a Favor
Commercial/Corporate:
Estimates and Invoices are calculated per project, as there are many variables which affect the shooting rates, licensing rates, etc. Base for half-day is around $4,000 and base for full-day is around $7,000. Additional fees may apply for equipment rentals, studio materials, location scouting, models, hair and makeup, wardrobe, catering, etc.
Portraiture:
Session fees are usually in the $200-400 range including a $50 local, in-house, print credit. Additional prints and/or a limited rights-released disc are available for an additional charge. Disc charge is typically $200-$500. Additional expense fees may apply such as travel, studio fees, supplies, props, etc.
Weddings:
With all packages, a local (travel available) engagement portrait session fee credit is included to give us the chance to interact a bit before the wedding itself. All full-day packages will also include a disc from the engagement session. Finished, digital images from the wedding will be delivered via an online proof gallery, where you can order prints if you’d like, as well as on CD/DVD. Film images can be presented as final prints or scans online and on a disc.
•Full-day, two photographers, standard coverage*: $7,000 base
•Full-day, single photographer, standard coverage: $5,500 base
•Full-day, two photographers, light coverage**: $5,250 base
•Full-day, single photographer, light coverage: $4,000 base
•Half-day, two photographers, standard coverage: $4,375 base
•Half-day, single photographer, standard coverage: $3,500 base
•Half-day, two photographers, light coverage: $3,500 base
•Half-day, single photographer, light coverage: $2,750 base
*Standard coverage indicates I/we will shoot unlimited frames.
**Light coverage indicates I/we will scale back the number of images captured without a decline in quality.
Driving travel billed at $1.00 per mile (round trip). Extended trips are an additional $650 per night for two photographers. Beyond approximately 800 miles, the decision to drive or fly will be at my discretion and will, typically, be based upon a detailed cost/benefit analysis.
Options:
•Single point, static video of ceremony: $1,250
•Single point, static video of reception: $2,500
•Full-day coverage by team of two videographers: $15,000
•Half-day coverage by team of two videographers: $10,000
•Full-day single point, static video and one roaming videographer: $11,000
•Half-day single point, static video and one roaming videographer: $7,000
•Prints: Cost varies with media type and sizes.
•Additional photographers (beyond second): $1000 per half day, $1750 per full day plus travel if necessary (I may find a photographer local to the venue, in case of an out-of-area wedding. If not, I may need to bring someone from my local pool along with me).
•Medium and/or Large Format film photography which may include color slide film, color or black and white print film, color or black and white instant film, alternative process printing, tradition black and white silver gelatin printing on fibre based paper, scanning of film images for digital printing, etc. The cost of incorporation of film will vary based on the type of film and format, the volume of film work desired, and delivery preference. For more robust film options, you must select at least a two photographer package due to the extra time requirements of the fine formats. It may also require some extra padding in your schedule.
Printing:
For local, in-house printing, I use an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 wide-format printer and can offer prints of varying grades. A typical print will be on semi-gloss, resin-coated paper estimated to last 50-150 years (for comparison, the best consumer-grade paper in a lab is the Fuji CrystalArchive and those are rated to last no longer than 75 years). I can print up to 16″ wide by however long on the semi-gloss. If you’re looking for a higher level of printing, I also offer true giclée printing (archival – the same type that is printed for museums and galleries) on art fibre papers rated to last 100-200+ years (200+ in dark storage). Print prices vary based on size and type and I can print up to 17″ wide (allow a 1/2″ minimum margin). 8.5″x11″ sheet minimum for all prints.
Fine-Art Prints:
If you’re interested in purchasing some of my fine-art prints, they are available periodically at exhibitions or by special order. Price varies. Contact me if you have a specific image in mind. Most prints will be giclée (archival inkjet) but some will be silver gelatin (black & white, traditional wet-process darkroom print) on Ilford fiber-based glossy paper.
