Freelance photographer rates? at DVinfo.net

Dave Blackhurst · October 25th, 2009, 11:18 PM

I know it's not video, but a local small town paper is looking for freelance photojournalists - I've got still gear, and just wondering what a "going rate" for photos might be in a "local market"? Any ideas?

I know I've seen some photographers shooting for them, using higher end consumer cameras I retired several years ago... so I figure there's not a "high bar", and a little extra $$ couldn't hurt, just scratching my head as to what is a fair rate to quote?

Paul Inglis · October 26th, 2009, 05:07 AM

If it's anything like over here then I'd say not a lot!

Tripp Woelfel · October 26th, 2009, 06:02 AM

Dave... There are two ways to approach this. Doing this work will take time away from your normal "job". If your normal job pays $X and the photog job pays half that then you are taking money out of your own pocket by doing this. For this reason I would say ask for a high number but leave the door open to negotiation. This is a bit of an art form but doing it carefully and thoughtfully will help you get more money.

If you want the gig because you will enjoy it or will gain experience you deem valuable, then you can ramp down your price to whatever degree you are comfortable with.

October 25th, 2009, 11:18 PM	#1
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Freelance photographer rates? I know it's not video, but a local small town paper is looking for freelance photojournalists - I've got still gear, and just wondering what a "going rate" for photos might be in a "local market"? Any ideas? I know I've seen some photographers shooting for them, using higher end consumer cameras I retired several years ago... so I figure there's not a "high bar", and a little extra $$ couldn't hurt, just scratching my head as to what is a fair rate to quote?

October 26th, 2009, 05:07 AM	#2
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	If it's anything like over here then I'd say not a lot!

October 26th, 2009, 06:02 AM	#3
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	Dave... There are two ways to approach this. Doing this work will take time away from your normal "job". If your normal job pays $X and the photog job pays half that then you are taking money out of your own pocket by doing this. For this reason I would say ask for a high number but leave the door open to negotiation. This is a bit of an art form but doing it carefully and thoughtfully will help you get more money. If you want the gig because you will enjoy it or will gain experience you deem valuable, then you can ramp down your price to whatever degree you are comfortable with.