How much are you charging for New Years Eve Events?


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shadouphotography

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Nov 26, 2007
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I'm curious to find out how much photographers are charging to shoot an event on New Years Eve. It's the prime party night of the year and photographers are in hot demand as everyone wants to have that special moment captured. I have received 3 proposals to shoot for various parties so far and each one is only wiling to pay a certain amount. I just heard yesterday that one photographer is charging $3,500 for 5 hours. I'm wondering if this person is pricing themselves way out of the market or is this the normal rate for NYE?

Anybody else shooting on that night and if so, what would you consider to be a normal charge ? Im charging double than I normally would for an event that lasts that same amount of hours but it's only because of the event itself. Interesting to hear from others. Thanks.
 

Is nobody doing events on that night that would like to share their "best price" for an event?
 

Think it all depends on that Company's budget. 1k is about right for me if you as. $3500 if you are famous photographer maybe.

Anyway Good luck for your event.
 

I wish it were me that was making $3.5 for NYE. I'm not sure who would be making that kind of money for one event, but they're lucky. I charge quite a bit for events but not this much...yet! Was just curious what other people were charging for that night! Thanks to all who replied.
 

i am charing 3 times my usual rate.
i think it is only fair for us to charge 2 or 3 times our usual
cos it a time for enjoyment but we are working
 

i am charing 3 times my usual rate.
i think it is only fair for us to charge 2 or 3 times our usual
cos it a time for enjoyment but we are working

I would say this is a fair practice as normal employees have 2x or 3x pay for working on major holidays, less certain industries.
 

Thats true. But I tell you though, some photographers out there really make it bad and spoil the market. I was contacted by a company who is holding a major function on NYE and they asked if I could be the photographer. 5 hours of work and I quoted them 2x my usual rate. When they heard this figure, they were shocked it was so much. But when I told them the reason why and that most photographers are charging between 2-3x their normal rate, she understood. Said they were going to send me a deposit to hold my confirmation. Didn't hear from her for two days and when I checked today, I was told sorry, we found a photographer that was willing to do it for only $400.

Imagine my shock!! That's it? $400 measly dollars? I wouldn't even bother picking up my camera for less than that and here someone comes around and says sure, I'll do it for that. Ok, maybe if I was desperate for the cash, why not. Anyhow, hope this guy/gal is good. Or they just might get what they paid for. Anyone else find that some photographers go and spoil the market and do this? After hearing this, the lady asked if can shoot any future events for her at around the same price. I laughed...
 

Thats true. But I tell you though, some photographers out there really make it bad and spoil the market. I was contacted by a company who is holding a major function on NYE and they asked if I could be the photographer. 5 hours of work and I quoted them 2x my usual rate. When they heard this figure, they were shocked it was so much. But when I told them the reason why and that most photographers are charging between 2-3x their normal rate, she understood. Said they were going to send me a deposit to hold my confirmation. Didn't hear from her for two days and when I checked today, I was told sorry, we found a photographer that was willing to do it for only $400.

Imagine my shock!! That's it? $400 measly dollars? I wouldn't even bother picking up my camera for less than that and here someone comes around and says sure, I'll do it for that. Ok, maybe if I was desperate for the cash, why not. Anyhow, hope this guy/gal is good. Or they just might get what they paid for. Anyone else find that some photographers go and spoil the market and do this? After hearing this, the lady asked if can shoot any future events for her at around the same price. I laughed...

It happens. :( Market have changed.

I've encountered quite a few that are unwilling to pay my rates. It might sound like a bad business practice, but I always have this "take it or leave it" mentality when negotiating.
 

Thats true. But I tell you though, some photographers out there really make it bad and spoil the market. I was contacted by a company who is holding a major function on NYE and they asked if I could be the photographer. 5 hours of work and I quoted them 2x my usual rate. When they heard this figure, they were shocked it was so much. But when I told them the reason why and that most photographers are charging between 2-3x their normal rate, she understood. Said they were going to send me a deposit to hold my confirmation. Didn't hear from her for two days and when I checked today, I was told sorry, we found a photographer that was willing to do it for only $400.

Imagine my shock!! That's it? $400 measly dollars? I wouldn't even bother picking up my camera for less than that and here someone comes around and says sure, I'll do it for that. Ok, maybe if I was desperate for the cash, why not. Anyhow, hope this guy/gal is good. Or they just might get what they paid for. Anyone else find that some photographers go and spoil the market and do this? After hearing this, the lady asked if can shoot any future events for her at around the same price. I laughed...

With today's technology, anyone can become a "photographer". Just set everything to "auto" or "P" and bam, fantastic out of camera jpgs. It happens, just move on. Sooner or later the consumer will realized that nothing cheapo wannabes will never cut it.
 

It happens. :( Market have changed.

I've encountered quite a few that are unwilling to pay my rates. It might sound like a bad business practice, but I always have this "take it or leave it" mentality when negotiating.

I think that its good practice. Imagine Armani lowering their prices because you find their suits too expensive... :bsmilie:
 

I have a few views on this if you guys are interested..

To photographers whose market is "spoilt" by cheap photographers
If your regular clients are willing to go for cheaper photographers who are able to deliver the same level of quality than you especially on a super hot and important date like new year or chrismas eve then there is either a problem with your quality, your price or your market. Most of my clients recognise quality and relibility and are willing to pay decent rates for my service.

Should we charge extra for hot dates?
It depends. If you are being engaged by your regular clients during this date then why should you charge any extra? A lot of my clients engage me at least once every 2 weeks for the entire year and sometimes even during their not so "hot" events and do not ask for discounts. I think if I charge more during hot events does that give them the right to bargain during other times? I can see why you must pay your staff like photographer assistants during this period but I think transfering this burden to your loyal customers is a bad business move.

Think of it this way, I think normal consumers will be very pissed if they find out that macdonald's is charging more for their burgers during christmas.

But it is our rest day!
If you can find a client who is willing to pay you $1000 or so for new years party I think it is pretty decent already. Besides so what if we are supposed to sacrifice our holiday for work... I thought that is all in a days work for event photographers anyway, working Dinner and Dance, Parties and stuff are all after office hours to start with. Why are public holidays any different?

So how much is enough?
I believe that depends on how "Hot" you are. If you are a one man show then you can only accept 1 shoot so take the best offer that comes your way. If you think you command a premium and you end up "jobless" because ur clients are not willing to pay then.. go kopi tiam buy a beer and celebrate lor! Sometimes people need a break with their friends and if time chilling out is priceless then take a break. Life is short.
 

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