Shooting events, and the photos that others want

[waple]

I've done some company events (grand opening party and regular store open houses) where I'd just charge the company a set hourly rate (time there plus post process time), and they have access to the photos for free for their use.

I should probably charge a separate, additional cost for the shots they want to use, but I don't yet. So my first question is, if someone hires me for a 2-hour gig like this, should I charge them an hourly rate for the event and generic post work; and then charge them an additional fee for every image they want to use? My thought is that they're paying for me to be at the event, so they should get everything, but I could be wrong here.

Now, the 2nd part is about the individuals that are at the party that I take pictures of. If there's someone walking around the store and I take her photo, what do I need to do? Am I responsible, as the photographer, to get every person's name I shoot? Or is that the responsibility of the client? If a customer doesn't say anything, and the client uses that photo for an ad or on their web site, am I held liable, or is it the client since I was simply hired by them for their event? The person was in the store and the store hired me, so who's responsible/liable for what?

Finally, if someone asks me if they can have a photo that I took of them, should I be able to sell, on my own, a print of that person that I took during an event that the client hired me for? Do I need a release for that prior? Is it possible they could entrap me by saying they want to purchase a photo that I took of them, then when they buy it, sue me for taking their picture and selling it? Or are there any other complications I'm not thinking of?

As far as payment, when you shoot for an event, do you get some money before the event, or do you hold on to all photos till you get paid for them? What I've been doing is putting up a slideshow in my client section of the web site, and I'd put watermarked versions of the photos in there. After they pay, I then send them all the pics unwatermarked (going back to the first quesion of do I just have them order the pics they want, even though they paid for the event?)

Thanks for any help/advice.

[olivier_nyc]

On shooting events:

I ask my clients whether they want exclusive rights to all the pictures. In that case I charge a higher flat fee and redirect any queries about 'how do i get the pictures' to them. If not, you can use an online service to setup a quick webfront. Printroom.com is great for example and they have a great photopass service...

As far as privacy concern, my first advice is to talk to a lawyer for law differ in each state, and everyone can tell you about what you can do or cant, but ultimately its your business. And I do not think you or your client can use the picture without a model release, unless its newsworthy. At some events I have attended, they put signs saying you consent to be photographed for promotional purposes, but that does not make it legal... I personally most of the time go with my gut feeling: if it feels illegal, it probably is.

Regarding upfront fees, If I know the client I usually get a check after the shoot. If I do not, I charge a 20% non-refundable fee.

Hope this helps.

[waple]

Thanks for the info.

Anyone else have anything to add?