Quick Price Research

[Biomech]

I want to delve into event photography full time next year.
I've just been asked to cover a university leavers ball in may and would just like to get an idea of what people here would be thinking of cost wise.

I envisage, 1 evening with a static spot. 1 backdrop frame, 2 mains powered studio lights (softbox etc). Printing system on the go churning out the prints which will be sold for £10 each (8x6?).

What would you charge the organisers as a base rate? I will take a pre-shoot trip up to check it all out so double travel expenses will be covered. It's in the next city where my dad lives so I can either drive back or crash with him so accomodation wont be a problem.

I will have to buy the printing equipment, but I intend on doing that by may anyway.

[BK553]

I've never done the print-on-location thing, but as far as I'm aware it's a pretty rare service (at least around me), so don't be scared about charging pretty heavily. Printing/material costs can really get you if you don't budget for them, and since you have no idea how many prints you are actually going to sell, you need to at least make sure you cover your expenses. Add those up first, then add in a percentage you would like in profit, and there you go.

[Biomech]

Thanks for the reply!

It turned out that they already had a quote from someone else who would turn up free of charge then take 100% sales at £10 a print. During my research I believe I've just found out who it is - they're pro and have the £2,000 event printers .......on the plus side, I offered to match their quote and (not having the printers :P) my pitch won