What should a jewelry photographer charge?

I have been asked to photograph pieces of jewelry but have no idea what to charge. I am a well established photographer, but have never photographed jewelry so I have no idea what to charge. Thank you!

what are your costs?
what is your time worth?
how will the pics be used?
is it simply a work for hire or some other arrangement?
what do you charge for photos of any other product?
what is the going rate for similar work in your market?

I know… more questions and no answers. but answer them and you will know what to charge.

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 12th, 2009 at 3:15 am and is filed under how to make jewelry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

3 Responses to “What should a jewelry photographer charge?”

  1. D L Says:
    June 12th, 2009 at 8:54 am

    what are your costs?
    what is your time worth?
    how will the pics be used?
    is it simply a work for hire or some other arrangement?
    what do you charge for photos of any other product?
    what is the going rate for similar work in your market?

    I know… more questions and no answers. but answer them and you will know what to charge.
    References :
    pro photog

  2. fhotoace Says:
    June 12th, 2009 at 9:33 am

    If you are an established photographer, you should have an idea of that kind of cash flow you need in order to stay in business.

    I hope you have a light tent and enough incandescent light to provide even lighting. Since you have never photographed jewelry, you will have to spend some additional time in setup until you get the lighting just right.

    If you cannot come to a good idea of what you need to charge, call around your area and ask other photographers who shoot products what they charge.

    Depending upon setup time, shooting time and post production, the price will vary. A minimum fee will be around $300 plus expenses.
    References :
    proFotog

  3. Caoedhen Says:
    June 12th, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Do you have day rates? Half-day rates? How much jewelry do have to photograph? Once you get the light where it needs to be, it moves along pretty quickly. You could easily shoot 100 pieces in a couple of hours.

    What are you supposed to do once the shots are taken? If you are expected to process each shot for them, add that time into your bill too.

    How are you to deliver the images? Electronic files on CD, or prints? Prints cost money, charge for them.
    References :