Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

Someone has asked me to take a Group Photo. I will not have to print out the image. Is there an average going rate for doing something like this?

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

What is your time worth?

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

Bingo :thumbup:

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Just my thoughts but $60 hour plus travelling and processing time, minimum charge 1 hour.
File worth more than printed image.
Usually they "only want the file on a disc" so they can skimp the photographer on the printing profits.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

I guess, as you have asked the question, you are not a professional and havent done this before.
Have you done a group session for friends?
If so, you will know there is more to just pointing and shooting.
Group photos, (if you are going to charge for the result) need to be be
posed correctly (and depending on the size of the group, this is an exercise in patience and community relations in itself).
You need to ensure no-one has, for instance, got their eyes closed at the moment of capture (or are scratching an inappropriate part of their anatomy).

Depending on the nature of the group, it may be say a reunion, then remember that they may not be able to duplicate your efforts if you 'stuff it up'.

So to answer your question, depending on your relationship with them, perhaps you charge just a traveling fee
(plus any other costs you might incur) and use the occasion as getting experience.
That, in my opinion might be a win-win.

Whatever you decide though, be sure first that you have the ability,
the equipment (wide angle lens? lighting?) and the confidence, to do a good
job.

Cheers

teachingmyown Loc: Nashville, TN

We did a group photo a few years back with eleven family members. Using the living room couch we had 4 on the couch, two in front on the floor and 5 behind it. Since the photographer was severely limited in ability to put distance between the camera and the subjects the resulting pictures came out with very odd proportions. The two on the floor in the front looked too big, the ones on the couch were too small and the ones behind the couch were "just right" (hmmmm...sounds like a nursery rhyme) Anyway...all this to say--if you are doing a group shot pay attention to the proportions as well as making sure you can see everyone's eyes and that no one is growing extra arms, legs or heads out of strange angles from their person. :)

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Quite frankly, depends on who is asking. As for me if it was family, close friends, church or other civic group would do for free. If work related for expenses only. I suspect you haven't done this before and once you charge a fee their expectations will change. Do you feel you have the experience and knowledge to meet their expectations. If yes, then go for it and charge a fee. If not, be careful that they don't expect more than you can deliver. When it comes to money, family and friends have a habit of ....... You get the idea. Good luck and let us know what happens. OBTW expenses for most services provided for charity, church, and most civic organizations are tax deductible.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

Thanks everyone for your input. Everyone's perception is correct, I haven't done this before. It will be an outside shot with 50-75 people. I'm not sure I will be able to get close enough to worry about eyes. The lenses I have are an
18-300 and a 12-24 wide angle. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

teachingmyown Loc: Nashville, TN

My comment about the eyes isn't so much concerned with sharpness of focus but rather with getting everyone captured in the image. If all you can see of a person is the top of the head or the left ear then imo the "group" shot has failed.

Since you don't do this type of thing routinely you might consider letting them decide what to pay rather than you deciding what to charge. Yes, it's a risk that you'll be underpaid for the effort but it will give you valuable information for the next time someone asks.

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

With that many, if on flat ground, get a ladder or shoot from above from a window or balcony.

If not, get them onto a hill or into stands (your local ball field). Having a ladder to shoot from above is still needed.

Next is lighting. If outside, a cloudy bright day would be ideal. If not, open shade is next best. If inside it is difficult but not impossible without some decent studio flashes.

Good luck :wink:

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Leave it to a professional...You seem to be having nightmares about the task, and your worries could be your downfall.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

12, maybe let the group decide on the cost, with your travel out of pocket being a starting point. Even if all they get are files, 75 files is a fair amount of work. At least if all 75 get your card maybe you can get some more work out of it.
Without a set of strobs, or at least some giant relectors, it's hard to make something like that not look like a snapshot. thats what would separate the men from the boys. And for 75 people you would need a fair amount of power. If they just want a nice snap you are probably well equiped.
Good luck.

TLCarney Loc: Englewood, Florida

I agree with Robert-photos, a ladder is almost a necessity. A painters ladder, the kind where the top step is a platform with a railing. You may be able to rent one. Also, multiple flashes/strobes for fill light if you can, it will give the shot a little pop, but practice beforehand, multiple flashes are not easy to setup the first time. Rental fees are respectable expenses toward the cost of making a good photograph.

And one more thing, take a whistle like a lifeguard uses. even 50 people is a hard crowd to control. Make the anouncement that you will blow the whistle when you are taking the picture and you want their undivided attention. It's more authority than shouting 'cheese'.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

Thank you guys for all your suggestions. I am taking notes!

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Fstop,
This question has been asked many times. Now you have to determine how many photos are you taking, are you editing all of them, are you making them print ready? Think about how much time and effort you will be putting into delivering what was asked, then charge accordingly. If you spend two hours of your time, I would say charge at least $200.

George