Event Fee's?

[kris10]

I was asked to shoot a family reunion this summer. I really want to start getting into event photography such as birthdays, anniversary parties and so forth but I have no idea how to charge for something like that. I do weddings, which are a set fee based on what they want and what the event will include. I also do some portraiture which is charged based on a sitting fee and package prices & I do youth sports athlete and team photos which I just charge package fee's for.

When it comes to "miscellaneous events", I'm lost as to how to charge. My mom had suggested charging hourly but knowing how my family reunions are, they can go for hours. If I were to charge say, $50/hour and end up hanging out for 6+ hours and shooting 300+ photos, I just don't think it ends up being worth it for me. I could charge a flat rate, say $300 for 3 hours and then charge an hourly fee after that. I would love some advice from those of you who have done this form of photography before. If I'm going to be spending a large amount of one of my Saturdays to do this, I want to walk away with something. I plan to offer the host of the reunion a full set of 4x6's after the event with the cost of those prints coming out of the total fee charged. I will then put all of the pictures on my website in a gallery where family members can order what they want.

[stuknbama]

kris10,
I have done these events before and I learned after the first one that a "flat rate" works out better than an hourly charge. I have worked these where all they wanted was the huge group shot and we got it within 30 minutes of arrival, then again, I was at one for nearly 3 hours waiting on a family that was delayed and by that time, Ol' Uncle Bob was drunk and not in any shape to sit for a photo.....I think the $300/ for 3 hours is a great place to start as long as they don't want to see you constantly snapping as if shooting a marathon........Give the host an idea of what to expect so you'll both know what you'll be doing to earn those rates. No matter how close this person is to you, ALWAYS get something in writing stating your fees and what you plan to deliver.........good luck!

[Songman45]

I think a flat rate for a set number of hours and an approximate number of candids shot and the number of group photos delivered then an additional hourly rate for time exceeding.

3 Hours and 150-175 candids, Each household (family member) up to 25 recieves an enlargement of the group shot. $XXX.XX and an additional hourly rate of $XXX.XX in half-hour incriments beyond that.

-OR-

Do not include the group enlargement in the base price. Sell those independently at some set price per. Have the purchaser address a mailing envelope and insert the payment for the number of prints purchased.

Back in the day, we'd speculate on class reunions (they aren't big buyers till after 20-25 years) we'd shoot the group and set a price per for prints to be mailed later. Now in the age of digital we could do the same and offer up candids either on-site or on-line.

[Harry]

I think that almost all of my events have ended up at, or near $300, even when charging hourly.