So you've contacted an event Photographer and they have supplied you a Quote for your event that is within your budget. Congratulations! You should accept it right away, right? WRONG! You probably could have negotiated a better quote if you had read this article earlier. Most people don't understand what a quote really is on it's most basic level. At the end of the day, this quote represents the amount of money the photographer is willing to exchange his/her life for. However, this quote represents more than the amount you will have to pay for the photographer's time. Keeping this in mind, how can you (as the Client) deflate the value of the quote so that it more accurately represents the value of the photographer's time? Below is a list of 3 things that cause a photographer to inflate the value of their time:
1) Lack of information
3) Be honest about when you need the finished photos
For event photographers in the NYC/NJ area, contact Grand Lens Photography now!
Company Website:
Facebook:
Erin Bhoorasingh is the founder of Grand Lens Photography, LLC. GLP is currently available for weddings, engagements, corporate events, portraits, maternity shoots, family photos, and freelance work in the NYC/NJ area.
1) Lack of information
Photographers HATE a lack of information. More often than not, it is extremely difficult for photographers to garner the proper level of information when they are building their quote. This is usually because Clients provide the bare minimum amount of information when requesting a quote. Circumstances other than the amount of time a photographer will be at the event matter greatly. For example, if your event will be held throughout multiple rooms a photographer will almost certainly need an assistant and your quote will reflect this added expenditure. On the other hand, if your event will be in a single room there may not be a need for the assistant. If the photographer does not have this information prior to issuing the quote, you can bet that the quote you receive reflects the worst case scenario (i.e. the additional expense for the assistant's salary, insurance, etc.).
2) Be realistic when giving the hours you will need coverage
2) Be realistic when giving the hours you will need coverage
Many people overestimate the amount of time they need a photographer to be at the event. This is particularly prevalent for corporate clients, however, it applies universally. Do you really need the photographer for all 3 hours of the after conference cocktail reception? How many different angles do you really need of the same people drinking cocktails? An hour or two of unneeded coverage can become quite costly. Although it is always better to overestimate than underestimate the amount of time you will need the photographer on-site, this is the fastest way to slash unnecessary expenses from your quote.
3) Be honest about when you need the finished photos
If you have elected for editing/retouching/enhancements, don't request that the photos be finished by the next business day. If you need a few preliminary photos for a press release, social media, etc. following the event, then ask for that. The chances that you need ALL of the photos finished within 72 hours is rare. There is little doubt that the photographer will oblige your request; but in order to do so, they will have to push off other work. Pushing off work comes at a premium and will be reflected in your quote. For the best quote, request the preliminary photos that you need (be specific about what these photos need to look like) and allow 7-10 business days for the remainder of the photos to be delivered.
In summary, provide your photographer with as much information upfront as you possibly can, set clear expectations of both parties from the onset, and always be honest with both your photographer and yourself. Follow these tips and you'll be slashing into those over-inflated photography quotes in no time.
For event photographers in the NYC/NJ area, contact Grand Lens Photography now!
Company Website:
www.GrandLensPhotography.com
Facebook:
www.Facebook.com/GrandLensPhoto
Instagram:
@GrandLensPhotography
@GrandLensPhotography
Erin Bhoorasingh is the founder of Grand Lens Photography, LLC. GLP is currently available for weddings, engagements, corporate events, portraits, maternity shoots, family photos, and freelance work in the NYC/NJ area.
