Also, what is a typical commercial shoot like? What would be expected of the photographer? I have recently been given the opportunity to bid on a commercial photo shoot and don't know where to begin. The shoot is a portrait shoot involving dogs and is to last 8 hours. the company is also looking to attain 2 year buyout rights to some of the images and wants pricing on that as well. Any suggestions? Remember, i am a beginner, so I don't mind bidding a bit low so that I can gain experience...

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Depends on the subject matter. If it's a portrait type or people shoot, you would have to negotiate with the client who is responsible for make-up, hair, styling, etc. Then you have to figure if it's studio or outdoors or in another indoor-type setting. You may be only responsible for lighting, film (or pixels) and your eye or you may be responsible for much of the coordination. That all has to be negotiated. Always cover your expenses and then, I wouldn't go less than $75/hr. I take that back. The hourly rate would depend on the client. If it's a friend, you can cut a deal. If it's a large client, you may want to quote a lump fee for the shoot. I've been out of the business for quite some time and I'm basing my hourly rate on the fact that it was about a $30/hr. minimum in 1983. There are so many variables. Sorry for making it more complicated.

Do you mean as somebody hiring a photgrapher? or as a model? or as a photographer? As for typical, typical depends on a lot of things. Location/studio set, only the model/subject with the photog/assistant while shooting, reps for any involved party's wandering around, etc ... Photog is responsible for whatever the working agreement states. Each shoot can be different.

Contact some local commercial photographers and get estimates base upon the kind of shoot (studio or location), how elaborate the shoot (models, props like exotic cars, size of the crew (assistants, MUA'a, grips, etc.) and the usage of the final image. You will also have to budget for the post production as well (image editing, image prep for print media, etc) The photographer usually charges a day rate plus expenses (paid in advance) and for usage (nation ad campaign, local newspaper, point of sale, etc). There will be other expenses as well, like film and processing, food for the crew, gas for the gofer, etc.

Please give more detail so somebody might be able to give you a better answer. Kevin