Advice required on pricing of gig photos

RichyX · 16-10-2007 12:42PM #1

I've shot a few small gigs of late & I'm reasonably happy with the resulting pictures.
As the bands are relatively unknown they don't seem to have any decent photos from live performances. Hence, I'm thinking about offering them the pics for usage on their sites etc.

Question is, how much should I be aiming to charge, if indeed I should charge at all?

AnCatDubh · 16-10-2007 01:04PM

I guess if they are unknown bands and if they aren't exactly beating down your door for them, then maybe consider giving them for free so long as a watermark is retained to link to you, your blog or website. At least that way you will build a photography reputation and may get referrals. Not sure what you could charge or how those in the business full time charge. But it is still of value to do a swap - "images for publicity" - just a two'pence worth.

iamnothim · 16-10-2007 04:15PM

i've been shooting a lot of gigs of late (this many to be precise) and have been asking myself the same question. i generally shoot for free but now it's taking up so much of my time that I believe it warrants getting paid for. I'm also now being asked to come and take photos rather than me asking can I.

I've come to rough price of €50 per gig. Very variable of course depending on who's paying.

TelePaul · 16-10-2007 04:26PM

If the band didn't know you were shooting them, I doubt they'll be too interested in paying for shots. I'd try not to negotiate terms after the fact. I'd use the shots as proof of your ability to entice future bands to pay.

melekalikimaka · 16-10-2007 08:55PM

I'm closer to 200-250 a gig, but in saying that i do alot free also

melekalikimaka · 16-10-2007 08:57PM

iamnothim wrote: »

i've been shooting a lot of gigs of late (this many to be precise)

some amazing stuff there

thebaz · 16-10-2007 09:39PM

agree with Mele there , some great stuff there iamnothim !

50 euros seams more than reasonable , in this day and age , when a coffeee is nearly 5 euros

Fionn · 16-10-2007 11:38PM

i do photographs for a fee - normally weddings events etc. my take is - if your hired, charge fees for your service calculated by the hour and whatever you think your worth to be there is.
If your out taking photographs and you go back to the band you really gotta give them some reduction but i dont think you should do stuff for free!! nobody ever gives me stuff for nothing!!! thats the way it is!!

melekalikimaka · 17-10-2007 11:53AM

after fionns post remembered a discussion with event photographers.

i was discussing the use ofsome strobe lights and told them my fee and they got narky and insisted i made it similartheir 'standard' fee. the reason... i think photographers have an unwritten rule to keep prices at a cetain levels or else it'd end up free for all. any views?

PaulieC · 17-10-2007 03:35PM

OT, but ianothim, what lens did you use for the Magic numbers shots? The exif says
Exposure:0.002 sec (1/500)Aperture:f/1.4Focal Length:55 mm

I didn't there there was such a prime lens existed with a focal length of 55mm and no zoom that I know of has a max aperture of f1.4

440Hz · 17-10-2007 03:56PM

Nice shots alright iamnothim! More Duke Special hehe. I think I was shooting at one or two of those gigs you have up as well.

Advice required on pricing of gig photos

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