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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
2 Ways on How to Get Ahead of the Work on Spec Game..
Sherrlyn Borkgren, Photographer
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Eugene | OR | USA | Posted: 5:32 PM on 11.19.10 |
->> As more and more photographers are asked to work on Spec I would like to share a few things that I have learned over the last 20 yrs.
1. The first thing that I do when I am asked to do a shoot on spec is to ask how many other photographers they have contacted.
2. I then present my contract with my research fee. The fee depends on which company and what the need is.
3. This way even if they choose not to use my images I have not completely wasted my time.
Never have I had a refusal for my fees. I know that I have competitors who are shooting the same images and often walk away with nothing.
I begin adding a research fee the day that I learned that several other photographers were also being asked to photograph the same thing as I had been asked and that ------- magazine then would pick from the multitude.
I knew it was a chance but in order to not feel "used" I added a fee for my" research" and "first look fee". I know this may sound counterproductive when there are others shooting the same images for the same magazine, but actually since that first day they bought my images. For many years now I have worked with my research fee upfront and asking for complete disclosure. Honesty works both ways.
I also use this same research fee system when I am asked for older photographs. |
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Steve Violette, Photographer
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Gulf Breeze | FL | USA | Posted: 5:54 AM on 11.20.10 |
->> Sherrlyn,
Can you elaborate on the basis of your research fee? What is the justification you present to the client to pay this fee and how do you position it with respect to the fee's charged for images they decide to use from the "spec" work
Steve |
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Frank Niemeir, Photographer
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Woodstock | GA | usa | Posted: 9:59 AM on 11.20.10 |
| ->> One of the best quotes I ever heard was when someone asked W.A. Bridges Jr. if he would do some work on spec and he replied "Yes, I spec to get paid." |
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Sherrlyn Borkgren, Photographer
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Eugene | OR | USA | Posted: 11:58 PM on 11.21.10 |
->> Steve, I don't justify this fee. I'm just upfront about it and tell them I have a research fee or shooting fee (whichever applies). This fee has been part of my verbal contract for many years and no one has ever had a problem with it. It is fair.
I communicate my fee under these circumstances- 1. when the potential client eludes to words that mean- they may or may not use the images they have asked me to spend my time shooting. (If I'm working I expect to get paid -whether they use or not is up to them).
2. If they are asking me to go through images that I have in my library without a promise of buying I charge a research fee.
3. If I get knowledge (often just by asking them) if they are planning on or have asked other photographers shoot the same or similar images.
A little history-- years ago while working in Latin America a news magazine had asked me to do a shoot for them. They sent me a contract which said something like "$100 for the cover and $50 for an inside print" I don't remember exactly what the numbers were but I do remember that I did not sign their contract, sent them mine which was a lot more $ than on their contract. It allowed me and the writer to do an awesome job for them which endured 3 days. The story ended up not being printed because of a controversy at the time but I still was paid via my contract. Later I met a guy doing a one-time job for the same mag. He was happy to get the $50. It's all about what you think your worth and taking that stand. |
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Steve Violette, Photographer
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Gulf Breeze | FL | USA | Posted: 9:04 AM on 11.22.10 |
->> Thanks for the clarification. This clearly shows that if you do your upfront homework and understand the requirements of the business, you can get paid. THe communication with the customer clearly tells him what is required on your end and how your time is involved.
This is a model more of us should be using as it will help to develop relationships with customers/clients and improve business - |
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Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 10:26 AM on 11.22.10 |
| ->> I think the idea is good but by getting any fee (research, shooting, or other) I think you fall outside what I consider spec work. When I think of spec it's really quite simple...for spec work, it means, I ONLY get paid if my image sells or gets used. If I take any fee for being there, I really don't consider it true spec work. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 12:59 PM on 11.22.10 |
| ->> I wonder how this would work with some of the sports photo agencies?. 8) |
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Andy Mead, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Durham | NC | United States | Posted: 12:54 PM on 11.25.10 |
| ->> Chuck - better than you would think. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 3:45 PM on 11.25.10 |
| ->> ...yeah andy and I have some mountain property in florida I can get you a GREAT deal on. |
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Dylan Lynch, Photographer, Assistant
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Edmonton | AB | Canada | Posted: 6:22 PM on 12.01.10 |
->> As long as it's a very reputable agency, that has a very big "presence" in what you're shooting - as long as you're an awesome shooter, I think you should do OK on spec.
The problem I have run in to is agencies who don't have a very big reputation wanting me to do spec... I won't touch that, because I know they're not someone who people are looking to for photos. On the other hand, I've shot a couple (only a couple, I'm not shooting these monthly or anything, just when they work perfectly into my schedule) for the agency that has the biggest presence in my sport, and I've done very well. If your photos are better than the other guys', and you know people are looking for them/will see them, it works. |
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