Photography / Production charges / exes

Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included. See notes on negotiating rates and *find a freelance

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.

* Read me first!  Photography / Production charges / exes advice
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The suggested rates (Know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names
* See also: reported rates, to compare: Photography / Production charges / exes
RATES: Digital production charges

See production charges / expenses - advice for explanation of these digital production charges.
Rushed processing: add 100.00%
High resolution colour corrected file (whether from digital original or scanned from film) GBP 15.00
Bulk processing images: per hour GBP 100.00
Bulk processing images minimum charge: per hour GBP 60.00
Wiring selected but uncorrected ex-camera files GBP 50.00
Digital transmission GBP 20.00
Contact sheet (in print or on the web) GBP 20.00
Writing to CD/DVD GBP 10.00

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.
* NUJ Guide to Charging for Digital Imaging
RATES: Film production charges
Rushed processing: add 100.00%
Colour transparency film processed and mounted GBP 25.00
Black & White film process and contact sheet GBP 20.00
Colour film process and contact sheet GBP 22.00
Black & white hand print (10"x8") first off neg. GBP 10.00
Black & white hand print: subsequent prints GBP 9.00
Colour hand print (10"x8") first off neg GBP 20.00
Colour hand print: subsequent prints GBP 10.00
Colour machine print (10"x8") GBP 12.50
RATES: Lost originals
Lost original GBP 500.00
Unrepeatable image GBP 1000.00
Lost film GBP 5000.00

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
Car mileage GBP 0.50
* Photography / Production charges / exes advice
Agreements
* Agreements affecting Photography
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Browse a selection of NUJ freelances with relevant skills through the Freelance Directory:

* Photographer
More advice and links...
* Photography - contents
* On negotiating for Photography / Production charges / exes
* Search fees
* Photographers' networks
[www.londonfreelance.org]
* Code of practice for commissioning journalists
* Copyright guidelines for editors
* Confirmation of Commission forms
* Fees Guide contents page
* What you should know about copyright
* Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
* Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representation
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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.