Photography / Production charges / exes
Photographers should always remember to check that new clients agree to pay expenses, before setting out. Some expect the price to be all-in, or believe travel is free, or something.
The suggested rates
Read me first! Photography / Production charges / exes: advice
See also: notes on negotiating rates for this work
See also: reported rates, to compare: Photography / Production charges / exes
Know a better rate? Tell us!
Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.
RATES: Digital production charges | ||
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See production charges / expenses - advice for explanation of these digital production charges. |
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Rushed processing: add | 100.00% |
|
High resolution colour corrected file (whether from digital original or scanned from film) | ![]() |
16.50 |
Bulk processing images: per hour | ![]() |
110.00 |
Bulk processing images minimum charge: per hour | ![]() |
66.00 |
Wiring selected but uncorrected ex-camera files | ![]() |
55.00 |
Digital transmission | ![]() |
22.00 |
Contact sheet (in print or on the web) | ![]() |
22.00 |
Writing to CD/DVD | ![]() |
11.00 |
Notes:
- London labs charge at least £100 an hour for work on digital photographs. £60 really is as low as anyone should go for digital processing.
RATES: Lost originals | ||
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Lost original | ![]() |
550.00 |
Unrepeatable image | ![]() |
1100.00 |
Lost film | ![]() |
5500.00 |
Notes:
- The figures given above for lost originals are those frequently agreed out of court with clients.
- If a claim went to court, the photographer would have to prove actual and predictable losses - for example the anticipated value of six further licences for one picture.
RATES: Travel expenses etc | ||
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Car mileages - reduced HMRC allowance | ![]() |
0.45 |
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Text © Mike Holderness & previous contributors; Moral rights asserted. The collection (database right) © National Union of Journalists. Comments to ffg@londonfreelance.org please. You may find the glossary helpful.
The National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.
Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.