Charging for an event

[mziese]

Hi, I git asked more and more to take photos on events.

I have no clue how I can count on a fee I can charge. I don't want to do much, as I have a good job, but I like to get some for my equipment.

Any suggestions?

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[tpatana]

I'm in a similar boat, I don't need to make money from photography but getting some income helps to justify the equipment cost, time spent (and more importantly keeps the wife more happy about my spending time and money on these).

I basically divide my shootings to 3 categories:

1: The fun ones
For whatever reason, I like these and happily do them for free. Often even pay travels and other costs

2: Quite fun but not #1 category
Usually charge $100-$200 for these to make sure to cover any expenses (assuming local event) plus some pocket change to add on it

3: Not too much fun. Wouldn't do without pay
Aim to charge $50-$100 per hour (including editing and rounding up for travel time)

Works quite well for me. Don't usually get #3 since other people usually do for cheaper or free, but I don't really care so it's win-win situation. Plenty #1 as I know plenty people around here, and occasional #2. Keeps me happy, mostly have fun shoots and get some income in the mix too.

MfG

 

[Tim Mayo]

If you can find out what others are charging for similar gigs that might give you a ball park figure. I started shooting at my local motocross track (literally 5 mins away) this year where they run practice sessions. The guy who runs it told me they don't get many photographers coming to the practice days. Although it's just fun for me and I enjoy MX as well, I didn't want to give the photos away. So I just found out what other MX photographers were charging and charged the same. As it turns out, not a great deal!