I've been asked by a client to do a product shoot for a children's product. She is looking for some product shots (white seamless background or home environment) and some shots where the product is in use (kids holding/using the product). My estimate is that it will require about 10-15 hours. My (somewhat optimistic) time estimate breakdown is:
planning: 2 hours
lighting setup: 3 hours
shooting: 3 hours
post production: 4 hours

Photos will be used for trade shows, catalog advertising, etc.

I have zero experience in setting/negotiating a price or writing a contract. Can someone help me, give me some guidelines, or point me to any resources to do this? When I asked the client what budget she had in mind, she didn't really have an idea and said 'whatever'. This is the first product from this client and she has little/no business experience and I do know she is on a limited budget, but I do want to price the job fairly for her and myself.

I have John Harrington's book on order but I am not expecting to receive it until next week but I need to work out something ASAP.

Thanks in advance!

Mods: I'm not sure this question belongs here, so please feel free to move this topic if appropriate.

Aloha Gilbert!

Looks like from your estimate that you will be utilizing a few different locations for shooting...Otherwise I can't imagine what you're doing that will take 3 hours to set up your lights.....

Anyway, I know that for myself, I charge an hourly rate, or half day or full day rate for commercial jobs, plus use fee. My rates are currently $200/hour with a 2 hour minimum, $800 for half day, and $1500 for full day, (8 hours).

Hope this helps.
SPC II

Thanks for your response, Stan. I will be utilizing at least a couple of locations for shooting which is why I estimated the 3 hours for setup. And that time includes tear down time too.

Posting your hourly/daily rate helps give me an idea of typical charges. Thanks!

Gilbert --

Your hourly determinations should be used internally and not shared with the client. Moreover, be certain to specify the number of shots you'll produce for the client on your estimate. It's easy for a client, especially one that's on location with you, to say "hey, can you shoot this too..." thinking that it's not going to cost them any more.

If there are three products, on seamless, specify a maximum of three perspectives for each product (i.e. straight on, looking down on it, detail shot, for example) and indicate "additional products/perspectives will affect this estimate." It's NOT about the additional time (i.e. it could add 30 seconds) it's about your giving them more imagery which will give them more ways to exploit the images to promote the product. If the products come in different colors, recommend THEY do digital alterations to the final product as a way to avoid additional costs, but that if they want to have you shoot those that's fine, but will either count as a part of the three perspectives, or as additional products for an additional per-product price.

For the on-location/home shots, make certain that the client provides models, or signs off on the models you choose. It's usually best to have the client pay the model directly, and models nowadays are much much more license-knowledgeable, so be sure that the agency knows what rights are needed and that you are licensing. Lastly, unless you have to, avoid the "hey, we'll photograph my kid(s) to save money" mentality that the client may spring on you. You may luck out and get great kids, but be careful. Further, even if you DO go this route, the parents have to sign releases to you.

Lastly, be careful with the "etc" part of your posting! Be certain to spell out the use/terms. Oftentimes, specifying "...for the life of the product" will give them everything they need within the "catalog/trade show/advertising" without selling all rights.

John

Gilbert-

One more thing...if the client wants you to get the models and you get your models from an agency be aware that many, if not most, of them specify that _your_ right to use the pictures expires in one year. If your client is not aware of this and continues to use them after expriration it's you (not the client) who's on the hook for more money. If the agency only gives you a year and your client wants more it would be best if the client did the hiring and negotiating.

Chris Grey

Hi John! Thanks for the great advice, especially on spelling out exactly the number of shots that will be provided. This client doesn't necessarily really know what she wants so I have a feeling that she will be asking to include some shots that were not previously agreed upon. Unfortunately the client is planning on using her own kids for some of the photos along with some others' kids. I was already planning on getting model releases for the other kids, but hadn't thought about getting a model release for the client's kids. I will make sure that I do. Do I have to get separate model releases for both the client and me that covers the use of the images, or should I be able to get a single model release that covers use of the images by both the client and myself?

Thanks, Chris! The client will be doing her own hiring and negotiating for the other models but I will make sure that the duration of the rights is clear to all.