How much?

[Slider]

This is difficult question.

I have been asked to do some portraits of a work collegue and her family to send to her relatives overseas.

How much would be a fair rate to charge and on what basis. Should I charge per print, time or a cost plus basis.

Personally, I think I would like to provide the finished article framed and all but she may require just teh prints which could be sandwiched in card for easier transport.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Antsl]

Hi Mark,

You have to decide whether this is a workmate or a client. Clients are the ones that go away, happy or otherwise but they do go away! You'll have to work with workmates and so if you charge them too much and they are not 100% happy with the results (or the price) you might get to regrget it.

Here are a couple of considerations ... charge the friend $100 for the shoot (tell her you're going to put it towards a new CF card or something) and then give her a CD with the images on that she can get printed for herself.

The second option is that you do the shoot for free, supply her with a set of proofs and then charge her a cost plus price for the prints.

Peronally I would be inclined to negotiate some wine as payment. If she really likes the work you'll get a case! Make sure you agree on at least getting paid for the job before doing anything.

Hope this is a help!
Ants

[Andyt]

Hi! Slider,

I agree with the above comments, costs you nothing to take the pics, the expense is in the prints, and you have to see / work with them in the future.

What I do for friends and workmates is to take the pics, a little PP, then either email to them or copy to disc. Its up to them to decide about the printing. (suggestion: if the pics are going overseas a Momento album is a good idea/suggestion for them).

If pics are required I advise an estimated cost in advance for printing and framing. Hope this helps.

[Slider]

Thanks Folks. Appreciate your advice

[TonyH]

Mark,

can you advise as to what you told your friend and how it finished up.

I am in this position myself from time to time and always find it a little akward.


Tony