How much should I charge for headshots?

[Yellow Dog]

Hi all,

I just was asked to do headshots for an insurance company's ad campaign. I've never had this type of client so I'm not sure what to change them. Thankfully he didn't actually ask me that, so I have time to see what you all think. It's just one guy and he just wants a picture of himself sitting at his desk. What should I charge?
Thanks!

[Jim Bryant]

How many usages and rights do they require?
Company newsletter, annual report, web, advertising? All those factors depend on what to charge.
Sorry.........one guy. But still ask him how the photo will be used.

[MGP]

Totally different usage, etc, but my daughters (twins) were doing some acting (stage, commercials, extras) in Los Angeles and had head shots done last year about this time. They got a disk with their photos, a package of mixed sizes - no retouching, no makeup (yikes!) but good lighting, etc. Cost them $250 each and they can only use them on their resume and for go sees. Have to pay extra if they have a website, etc.
HTH

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by MGP

Totally different usage, etc, but my daughters (twins) were doing some acting (stage, commercials, extras) in Los Angeles and had head shots done last year about this time. They got a disk with their photos, a package of mixed sizes - no retouching, no makeup (yikes!) but good lighting, etc. Cost them $250 each and they can only use them on their resume and for go sees. Have to pay extra if they have a website, etc.
HTH

And they got that cheaply too!

[MGP]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

And they got that cheaply too!

Yes, and it showed, too!

Good thing they are young and look good with little help.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by MGP

Yes, and it showed, too!

Good thing they are young and look good with little help.

How so true!

[Yellow Dog]

From my initial conversation with him, he said ad campaign. I take that to mean business cards, website, and any advertising he does. I'm guessing that he will want a full release to do with the pictures whatever he wants.

[Yellow Dog]

He does want a blanket release of the images to use for website, ad campaign and anything else that comes up. I would be photographing him and two other people. thoughts?

[GreggObst]

As previously mentioned, I would find out what usage they are planning for the heads hots. Then I would make sure I knew what my cost of doing business is, ie what does it cost me to do that work (time, travel, post processing work, insurance, etc).

Then you propose the magic question "what is your budget for this job ?". Let them name a price first. If it is acceptable to you and you are covering your cost of doing business + some expectation of profit, then agree to do it for what they have budgeted. If the budget number is too low, start to negotiate but keep in mind your cost of doing business so that you don't end up doing the work for free or worse, negative $.