How much do i charge to shoot an album cover?

I've been asked by a couple of bands to shoot album covers for them, however i don't really know how much to charge them. I was thinking i would produce several images for them on a disc and then they can use whichever one they wanted. Has anyone else done this sort of thing? Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S The bands are just young students so i'm abit reluctant to charge too much incase they can't afford it.

If you get no response mate then PM Paul (site owner/admin) I am sure he has done album covers or something like that.

To ask how much to charge students is not easy. If they are mates then I would say 50 quid for a few beers and a decent curry. If it is a proper commercial shoot then anything from a ton up. I know some of the mainstream bands get charged 4 figures for covers. Not an easy one to price. If they are any good and you think they will go beyond the student band thing then do a freebie and ask to be their main tog...get loads of behind the scenes shots etc... I think you get the idea. Early U2 shots are selling very well at the moment. Not that they will ever get that big but you never know

I think Nik ukhero may also be able to help mate. Good luck. Sorry I could not help more but it is not my area of experience. I just make the music and shoot dogs/wine and pregnant women

You could charge per shot? that way they wont take the mick and get you working your backside off for little return..maybe £20 per shot on disc, artworked and finshed @ HiRes

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sounds right to me when ive shot for peoples use..

but also wat TCO said about a few freebies, i did this for a freinds band, and now they are rocking the town, theyre to good for a tographer it could work either way!

J

Cheers guys for getting back to me. I think i will probably charge them per photo, that way they can decide how much they want to spend. They are not bands that i'm friends with, i was fortunate enough to photograph them at a "Bands Day" and they liked the results. I think i might also ask for an acknowledgement on the album cover and a free album, as i do like their music. Thanks again to all who replied.

ALWAYS make sure you get a credit/acknowledgement on the sleeve/booklet. Its always good for your portfolio, and it also promotes your work to other bands who may like to use you too.

I've worked on a few band's shoots in the past, as well as promo work for art films, illustrative work, etc. I try to judge how widly the image will be used (is ut just for a sleeve? will it be used for posters? advertising?), and what kind of circulation it is likely to have (few cd's sold at the student union, or a small/medium sized tour on the way kind of thing).

If you are being asked to shoot for the band then obviously you have to take things like time and travel expenses into account too. I have been lucky in some ways where i have been approached as they want to use an existing piece of my work - that way you can really name your price! But keep your price fair and reasonable, that way the are more likely to come back to you or recommend you to others.

Good luck with it!

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