How much should I (photography student) charge an architectural firm to take photographs of their recently completeted projects?
I can’t provide a totally complete, definitive answer because our marketing department has always handled this kind of stuff, but I have some general ideas of what you’ll need to do. FWIW, I think pro photographers would charge us something like $500 for a final photo that we’d use in marketing materials, but I’m not really sure on the number there–sorry. Anyway, you’ll have to figure in time, because you’ll be doing pretty good if you shoot one project in one day. You’ll also be providing lighting, because unless it’s a really odd building or you’re doing exterior twilight shots (where you’ll turn on all the lights in the building), you probably won’t want to use the actual building lights–you’ll get source light in your photos or odd conditions with tungsten or fluourescent lights. Just try compensating for different lighting types with a filter! Ha! I’d guess your finished product will actually be a digital file of some sort instead of a print, but you’ll be responsible for making
Everything depends on what your photos will be used for and for how long. It wouldn’t be unheard of to charge many thousands of dollars if the photos are going to be used in nationwide magazine advertisements, for instance, but many hundreds would make sense if they’re going to be hanging the photos in their boardroom and that’s it. Quit devaluing your work because you’re a student, too. A quality photo has value regardless of who took it and the only thing you do by agreeing to terms like “Well, you’re a student and a friend, so we won’t pay what we’d pay a pro” is make it harder for you and everyone else to make a living taking pictures. Since you say that they’re going to be using the stuff in all of their marketing materials forever, make sure they pay a fair price. You are providing them with a very valuable asset for their own future well-being and you should be justly compensated. In fact, a good way to think about it is that your photos will be crucial to every future dollar th
I do architectural shoots. Basically you charge the max you think your reputation and their budget can handle. If you’re just starting out, I suggest $330 per site for a basic exterior shoot (no interiors: whole different ball game). Don’t get greedy, but don’t be skittish either. Don’t let them talk you down any lower than $300. If they balk, seriously: walk away, they’re jerking you around. I know you want the job, but they’ve got $300 for photos. I guarantee it. Thank your friend enormously and hope for another opportunity later. Don’t worry about the tilt-shift lens; if they’re hiring you, they’re not looking for that compensation (it has to do with the “curve” of buildings toward the top of the photo when taken with a standard lens. If you make the top of the building the horizon line – the centre – you can minimize the distortion without the tilt-shift lens. Read up on it on the internet so you know what the hell this is if they ask you about it). However, if at the end they say,
