When day rates are bad for photographers

[Jim Bryant]

Here's a great interview by John Harrington that was posted in Photoshelter this morning.
Why "Day Rates" Are Bad For Photographers - A Picture's Worth | PhotoShelter

[andyw]

But as he said - IT DEPENDS.
It depends on the type of job, the client, the individual photographer.

It is down to us as individuals to ensure that during initial meetings with the client that both us and them are clear on what is required so that a proper rate can be applied whether that is a day rate, an individual shot rate, or a "talent" rate. (a day rate in disguise).

I quote half day and day rates when necessary but it is very clear to the client what a "day" is and there is a rate for anything over that.
I also ensure that if there are any changes to the initial requirements that these are documented and charged for.

Thanks but I will continue to quote day rates when necessary.

[funcrunch]

While I love John Harrington's book on professional business practices, I think it is important to emphasize what he quickly mentions in this video: in the case of event photography, it can make sense to have a day and/or hourly rate. While many of his business points apply equally well to photographers of all specialties, in his book he talks relatively only briefly about what he refers to as "rites of passage" photography - weddings, bar mitzvahs, and so on - and conference photography. But these events are bread-and-butter to many photographers, and the needs for such clients are often quite different than for those requiring only one or a handful of finished images for, say, a magazine cover shoot.

[Jim Bryant]

Frankly, speaking for myself, i use a creative fee system.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Frankly, speaking for myself, i use a creative fee system.

Mine also gets very creative sometimes, a bit like my accounting.