Q:
Do you feel like commercial advertising budgets are getting smaller and smaller?
A:
Yes, budgets are getting smaller because everyone has so many more social platforms to fill with content. It’s now about more, more, more – for less.
Budgets
Standard Day Rate for a Photographer
Q:
What is the standard day rate for a photographer?
A:
The standard day rate, creative fee, or per shot assignment fee for a photographer depends on the industry they are in. I hear editorial is $500 per day unless it’s a magazine cover. Commercial advertising can run the gamut usually starting at $3,500, up to $6,500 or even around $15k for big jobs.
Also, factor location scouting, prep days, travel days and overseeing post production rates into that rate. And then remember to factor in all the costs of each industry.
Unfortunately there is no clear answer here but there are some great resources to reference. Those are noted below.
Resources available for pricing help: visit @aphotoeditor online for pricing and bidding help, they feature sample estimates
@wonderfulmachine is also great and can step in and help with estimates.
You can also always reach out to a photo agent with questions and we are often happy to hop on a job with you and negotiate your rates. Send industry related questions to [email protected].
The Right Photographer for the Job
Q:
Are there any specific stories around why you didn’t put a specific photographer up for a job?
A:
Guest Post, Mara Serdans: More often than not, I won’t put a specific photographer up for a job because he/she is not an appropriate fit for the project. It may also come down to budget – if I know a photographer is not within the ballpark, it’s a waste of everyone’s time to put him/her in the mix. Lastly, it might come down to having a bad experience from a previous job or a difficult agent who makes things harder than they should be for myself, the internal team and the client. No one wants to work with someone who is “difficult.”
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans
Smaller Budgets
Q:
Do you find yourself having to turn jobs away because budgets are too small or do you make it work? If your photographers are in a slow period does that affect your decision?
A:
I do find that requests with smaller budgets happen sometimes. The decision whether or not to take the job in part depends on whether the budget is going to negatively affect the quality of their work. If a budget doesn’t support getting a great image then I don’t recommend that they do the job.
The ideal situation for a lower budget job is if it’s going to be great for their portfolio, then it’s essentially a paid test and is worth it. And yes, a slower period does affect our decision and inspires us more to take the job.
Examples of a Bad Estimate
Q:
What are some examples of a bad estimate?
A:
Guest Post, Mara Serdans: Misunderstanding the project deliverables or details. Low-balling the estimate or forgetting to include specific expenses. This helps no one because it’s very difficult to ask the client for more money once a job is awarded.
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans
Selecting a Photographer
Q:
What factors make you want to put a particular photographer up for a job?
A:
Guest Post Mara Serdans: There are a few factors that come into play when recommending a particular photographer for a job. First and foremost, the photographer’s style is paramount. It needs to sync up with the art director’s vision. His/her level of experience is also a consideration. Where a photographer is located sometimes comes into play although many photographers these days are open to working as a local in larger markets. Lastly, budget is a factor. The photographer needs to fall within the ballpark to be considered a contender.
Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans