High School Reunion gig

[Lisa_Marie]

Okay, so I've been a photographer most of my life - but just started in the biz of it. I've had a few sessions that I did not charge for (other than pics) and have vowed I will never do free again - unless it is a fundraiser (done 3 of them now!). I was approached by a friend to so a 25 yr high school reunion and they have "limited funds". It is a 2-day event (6p-11p each night) and I would normally charge $500 for this. I don't want to undersell myself but I don't want to lose it,either.
Here's what I'm thinking.....
$300 for both nights
$10 low-res CD slideshow (payable at event)
$5 for 5x7 or $10 for 8x10 of group pic (payable at event)
Candid and posed shots availabe for purchase on my website.

Sound reasonable?

Let me know what you think!

Also, was going to have a tent set up the first night (outside event) with a table displaying my portfolio and some info on booking sessions - maybe even give away a free session.

Lisa Marie

[GadgetRick]

Well, depends. Do you know what their budget is? I'd find that out before I threw numbers at them.

I'd definately charge more for the 8x10s as I'm guessing the attendees will be paying for that. $10 for a 4x6 is reasonable but awful low for an 8x10, IMO.

Why have your stuff set up just the first night? I'd have it set up both nights. I'd also ask they mention you and your company during the things going on. Use it as an opportunity to reach more people.

[BCampbell]

No idea how many hours you're working.

How many photos are you delivering?

I would offer ONLY the 8x10. For $10 each you'll be keeping ~$5 per after printing and shipping costs.

It's very unlikely that anyone will buy shots from your site. You might get lucky, but doubtful. Don't plan on "making up the difference" there.

It all depends on how long you'll be shooting. My pricing structure for events like this doesn't go below $100/hr. If it's 2-3 hours each night, that's not terrible.

[Lisa_Marie]

The event is 5 hours each night. I'll probably only work 3-3 1/2 hours each night.
I'll have a table set up the first night b/c it is an outdoor event and the second night it is a dinner - I'll have something - but smaller. I'm thinking I will up the prices of the class photo to $10 for the 5x7 and $15 for the 8x10. I just don't know how many people will want an 8x10 of the group. A 5x7 will fit in a small photo album. I just stuck mine in my old yearbook. They will pay in advance for this, as well as the CD. I'm not looking to make $$ from candid photos but still want to offer them, just in case.
One reason I am offering a lower price is b/c I am an alumnae of this school and I know many of them. Normally I would charge more.

[BCampbell]

6-7 hours for $300. Plus maybe a few dollars from the photo sales.

At that rate, I would honestly rather simply do it pro bono. That's not just a reduced rate... it's dirt cheap.

[Lisa_Marie]

Yeah, when I read it they way you typed it......it's dirt cheap. I could offer them fewer hours. Or hike up the fee. I'm just afraid I'll lose it if I don't bring it down - I'll just ask them what they can afford. If it's ridiculously low then I probably won't do it. Thanks for your help!

[Lisa_Marie]

Okay....here is what I decided...
Highschool reunion - <150 in attendance first night at alumni's lakehouse & <100 in attendance second night - dinner at country club - candids, posed and group pics

$100 for 2 1/2 hrs ($25 each add'l 1/2 hr)
pre-order group class photo - $7 for 5x7 and $15 for 8x10
pre-order CD slideshow (watermarked and low res) for $15

I am cutting them a deal b/c I am an alumni of that school (but not that class) and this is my first reunion shoot (but I didn't tell them that)

Thoughts?