Shakodo Community

Here's a link to what my suggestion would be taken from my response to a similar question about a month ago.
http://www.shakodo.com/assignments/m8/website-photos-for-small-accounting-firm/#4lk


While I don't normally do an hourly-type fee for photography, I utilize a hybrid method for headshots. Basically there's a set-up fee which includes the first hour and another fee for each hour thereafter. (Basically this second fee encourages clients to not schedule subjects 2 hours apart.) Each subject generally selects their final image off of the laptop or iPad and I charge a per retouched image fee for each selection.

Basically the client gets a price sheet and can see exactly what factors go into the final price.  In Boston I got about $400 for the first subject, about $500 for 2 people, etc. If the client can get 5 people together in one hour they will save $150 versus dragging it out over 2 hours. Obviously the pricing structure rewards efficiency on the client's side.  Since moving to DC a year ago I'm now being flown back up to Boston to do these for old clients so something is working.

These prices might not work in your area so salt to taste. Also, remember that clients want to work with people that they like. Professionalism and personality have been my biggest marketing tool with these.

Good luck,
matt

Ok, let's talk head shots, or as I prefer to market them as, executive portraits. I charge a bit more to go on location, around $300 + mileage depending on the distance. If they start to stutter and choke on that number, I quickly suggest that they come to my studio where I can do the same thing for $175 - $200. You find out rather quickly how valuable they think their time is by the choice that they make. Most people, when spending the company dollar, value their time much more than the bosses money. 

As far as you losing those two jobs, quality is not an issue as you certainly do nice portraiture. My experience in this particular area of commercial work is that I either get the job with no negotiations, they just take out their phone and shoot it themselves - or decide they don't need the photos at all.

you are very welcome. And thank you for the compliments. It's the result of a lot of work and the ability to learn from the mistakes that I've made in the past. 

Before striking out on my own I worked as a staff photographer at a commercial studio in Boston. Business headshots were our bread and butter. On any given week I might do 8-10 of them. It wasn't uncommon for me to travel to 3 different clients in one day and photograph 1 person at each location. I quickly learned what worked well and what the potential traps are. (*Hint- if you hear the words "Oh while you're here can you....", it's a trap.)

Some of the other things I learned:
It's not art. The way to make it profitable is to be extremely efficient at what you do. This isn't to say that it doesn't require talent or skill, it's just that you're trying to make them look good, not reveal their soul.
Professionalism counts. I squeeze a 3 head dynalite kit into one rolling Tenba case along with 2 modifiers (umbrellas or softboxes for the key/fill), collapsible stands, and a 5' wide lightweight canvas background rolled very carefully into an architect's tube. I dress appropriately for whatever office I am in and the Tenba case and the camera bag I use look professional enough that I have yet to be directed to the loading dock. I always have back-up bulbs, fuses, etc. in the car.
Practice your banter. I do these small jobs without an assistant so I adjust the lights myself. The "dead air" is a killer when you're in front of a subject. Have something ready to say. Doesn't matter if it's sports, weekend plans, the weather, whatever- just don't let them sit there feeling awkward.
Clean&Clear Wipes. I swear. Likewise, a brush or comb in a ziplock bag that you clean after every assignment. Let them see you take it out of the ziplock bag- it looks more sanitary. Oh, and a mirror. Always a mirror.
Clean up. Put the furniture back where you found it. They are paying you to be there but be a good guest.
Good luck!

Interesting enough, I was coming over here to look at this exact thing. I've charged many different price points and I'm glad to know I'm right in line with the two of you at least. The last "executive" I did photos for it was $250, and that was on-location.

Matt,
 
Many thanks for your response.  I viewed your website and portfolio and can see why your Boston clients want you back.  Very nice work!  I would really like to break into the type of editorial business portraits you show in your portfolio.

I think your hybrid pricing is the right way to go for me.  I'm in the Tampa Bay market and we are not at the Boston or D.C. price points, but, I'm also not in your league, photographically speaking that is.  I'll take your example and see if I can make it work for me.

Thanks again,
Rick


 

I typically will quote a base rate - my day rate (600.00) and then an additional fee per head on the shoot. This varies by city/state, but I will find myself quoting around 850.00 for an executive headshot, provided it's just one person. Also what affects your price is if this is something you normally offer. For me, not so much.

Thanks Matt, for the tips.  I instituted a hybrid pricing scheme as you suggested.  It makes perfect sense and I can see why managers would actually like that structure.

I'm currently using the new Paul Buff "Einsteins" and their newest battery pack, and a couple of Nikon SB's if needed, for my kit.  Just don't have the money yet for the Dynalites.  The Einsteins work well, if not bulky.

Thanks again!  I look forward to your posts.

Rick