Hi cs-ers!!
I have recently received this product assignment.
Requirement
- Photoshoot of 100 shots.
- Items such as: Car Rims, car parts such as accelerator pedals, wipers , lifestyle items such as watches, mugs, etc
We have no idea on the time frame given, but generally what other points to take note of for fixing such a deal?
Also, what is the market rate, or how would you have fixed your price for such a shoot?
Questions to ask the client:
1) Intended purpose of the shots?, eg: web, brochure, flyers, magazine advertising, posters or other...
2) Will the items be given to you to shoot singularly? (ie not on the vehicle or do they want them shot in situ)
3) What is the time frame for the session and how much editing does the client require?
4) What level of professionalism does the client require in the shots?
Once you have those questions answered you can start working out if you are equipped and capable of doing the job.
For example a parts distributor looking for print media or posters for retailers etc will have much higher requirements in terms of lighting, colour interplay and so, they may also have their own image editors, such a shoot is completely different to that of say an than an online vendor.
A few pitfalls (by no means comprehensive).
Colour temperature compensation. When shooting such work at the top end of town colour temperature of lighting and having repeatable colour for each product becomes essential. This means you *must* have colour temperature meter.
Lighting considerations, strobe? HMI? Cold? other? If shooting with mixed sources see Colour Temperature meter.
Light table with invisible horizon and upper and lower lighting sources. Do you have access to one? The light tent type arrangements are fine for lower end work but do not cut the mustard at more professional levels.
Your own ability or lack of it? Are you confident you can do the job and produce images of the quality that the client requires?
For such work I base it on a daily rate that is determined by the quality of the work required, how well lit the client requires the subject to be and how long it will take (allow at least 20% longer than you first think to allow for objects that will not photograph well without considerable mucking around).