hi, i do portrait, family etc photography and i’ve just had a query to photograph a newborn baby that lives 2 hours away. i’m happy to drive and do the shoot but i’m stuck at what to charge? i have to consider fuel and travel, my time etc.
I have to agree with Ian on this one… If you are looking to expand your portfolio then look at it as a short term investment on your part. It will pay itself shortly once you expose your work on your portfolio. However, if you are doing it only because you don’t want to turn it down and feel like you could charge a reasonable price then go for it… specially if your drive could involve some nice scenes to shoot along the way. 
I would charge regular price then half of fuel cost.
5 Responses to “photography business question…?”
IF your happy to driver up as you say, than your normal price and the price of the fuel to get there and back.
I think this will be a fair thing if they what you to drive to them,
References :
do you normal hourly rate, and add 2% for fuel costs…
References :
I’d disagree with first poster. Its 4 hours of your time driving which equates to 1/2 a day
Thats 1/2 a day that you could of used to do other things.
Its the tough calls of running a business. You’ve got to make sure you are making a profit and making it worthwhile. Sometimes its just better to turn down certain jobs for financial reasons.
However, it depends how badly you want the work. If you have other options that you could do doing then you should charge a lot, if you would just be twiddling your thumbs then i’d charge less.
But……. ensure that it is worthwhile whatever you charge. Unless you are purely looking for more portfolio work.
References :
as a professional you have to fix your charges
the bill may be itemized or consolidated
References :
I have to agree with Ian on this one… If you are looking to expand your portfolio then look at it as a short term investment on your part. It will pay itself shortly once you expose your work on your portfolio. However, if you are doing it only because you don’t want to turn it down and feel like you could charge a reasonable price then go for it… specially if your drive could involve some nice scenes to shoot along the way.
I would charge regular price then half of fuel cost.
References :