HELP! photography for edgy, inspirational magazine

[jovz88]

DPS members, I need your help please!

While at work, I was approached by someone who was referred to me by a guy who had seen samples of my architectural photography. This 'someone' happened to be the Administration manager of a local magazine, which is mainly youth-oriented, and features some stylish, edgy, cultural articles and photos, as well as inspirational material.

I am very far from being experienced. I only purchased a SAMSUNG point-and-shoot model a few months ago, and I'm more comfortable with it than a Nikon model that I can borrow to shoot this article.

The Administration Manager asked me to provide her with my rates (which previously I was extremely far from determining) as well as my schedules and samples of my work. I'm not sure as to how much I should charge, seeing that I don't have much (if any) experience in portrait photography.

I've done some research on the magazine and I've discovered that there's a director of photography, and I saw some photos of him with a digital SLR, but he has some big lenses, and to be quite frankly, it intimidates me. I'm under 20 years old and still have a lot to learn.

Questions:
1. Should I use the Nikon DSLR that I can borrow to do the shoot, or could I use the SAMSUNG point and shoot? I think that if I use the point and shoot primarily, it might give off the impression that I'm quite amateurish, which is not an impression that I want to leave behind, but I'm not sure how the pictures would turn out with the Nikon DSLR and if I'd be comfortable with it.

2. What should my rates be? The job in question would be a photo for the title cover, as well as the feature article which I estimate to be no more than 6 shots. I will not be required to do any heavy post-processing on the photos, so that should play a role. If suggesting a price, the US dollar is equal to 6 dollars of the currency to where I am.

3. If taking photos of a woman who has danced with a performing company for over 15 years, and she is now releasing a book, what sort of photos should I take? I was thinking about a black and white photograph whereby she is in the foreground, and there are some dancers practising in the background, but the camera is focusing on the background, blurring her out, giving her a rather 'Godfather' supervisory, motherly approach. I also know that I will take out some candid shots of her to show the human side that people usually love to relate to. Any other ideas?


Thanks so much DPS members; I really appreciate your help.

[windrider86]

If you are uncomfortable using your own camera is there somewhere that you can rent something else? If so I would suggest practicing with it first so you can get the feel for it.
As far as doing a photo shoot with the dancer, do not blur her out especially if she is the main focal point.

You might want to go check out some photographers web sites and get an idea of what to charge. Most will post thier rates and will give you some pretty good ideas

[ToPpS]

What a fantastic opportunity for you! Wow!

Right i have a few thoughts for you.....

Okay i understand that you are more comfortable with the Samsung P&S that you have and there's no problem with using it. Um, as they are a magazine they may require a certain standard of quality image that the P&S may not provide and therefore a dSLR is needed. Best to check with them about what they need first....

Oh and you need to consider the type of shots you're after before you hire any equipment. Have a definite plan/concept. Then you'll be able to choose the right lenses for the shoot....

They have approached you based on some photos that they have seen. They know what you can do, they like what you do. You don't have to prove yourself to them.

Great so there's a "Director of Photography", that's great news for you. Any questions that you have as to the type of shots that they are looking for, you'll find that out from him. Also he should be able to give you some good advice.

Types of Photos you may want to consider are a portrait (start of the story, who she is). Not a head shot but maybe, her relaxed, legs folded under and towards you, looking relaxed??? I like the "motherly" idea, but like "windrider86" said, she needs to be in/THE focus. The students can be blurred all you like. Use a mirror (it's a dance studio) or something to get that interesting angle/shot you're looking for. She's a dancer, get a shot of her dancing, you can get a bit of blur here to show the MOTION". Also maybe a few stretching shots of her limbering up...???

You've got me on cost though. Find out how much it will be to hire the equipment first as that will need to be covered as it could be your biggest expense. Also you are young and as you said "still have a lot to learn". Take this as a leaning experience and possibly just cover you expenses. If they came to you, this may not be the last time you do a shoot for them and you can revisit the rates then once you're more comfortable and have asked around.

Hey and that's my 2c worth Best of luck there Jovz88

[jovz88]

Sorry I took so long to get back to you; thanks a lot for the feedback.

Will update you when the shoot takes place.

As for cost, I've been advised that since I'm new to this, I should just charge the amount to reimburse myself for the cost to get to the location, and for lunch, etc etc and chalk the rest up to experience.

I'm a bit nervous though.