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Site Photography Cost


joseph alexander
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Many years ago I was setting up a contract to do two renderings for a Manhattan highrise apt. building. The graphic designers accidently faxed me the photographer's proposal. His task was to provide 'neighborhood' and 'quality of life' photos for the ad campaign. He was being paid about $4000/day plus all expenses. I was being paid $4500/rendering as I recall. And I would be working on the illustrations for many days, so I wasn't making as much money as the photographer. Its unlikely that I could have gotten much more than that for renderings at that time.

 

So I don't know what pro photogs get per day now, but its probably not any less than that. And probably more than you or I could get for what we do.

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I have a NYC photographer friend that is more reasonable. Give me a shout and I'll pass along information.

 

Edit: I should really learn to read. To answer the original question, I would expect that assignment to be in the $3,000 - $4,000 (USD) range in NYC. The same shot in Toronto would be more like $1,000 - $2,000 (CDN) for comparison.

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Well, I am always looking at Arch Photography sites for inspiration that haven't come yet. Some of them photos look much like good CG. I am not recommending this guy, but his works look just like some good renders I've seen. Some of the top Russian CG artists lately, squeze light into interior renders like this guy into photos, or are they renders?

 

http://www.mossphotography.biz/

 

Ismael

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To answer the original question, I would expect that assignment to be in the $3,000 - $4,000 (USD) range in NYC. The same shot in Toronto would be more like $1,000 - $2,000 (CDN) for comparison.

 

I guess the same ratio would apply to what we can charge, as well.

 

Photography in NYC is not always easy. Just producing a camera (and I mean 35mm) and taking pictures of buildings can get you the prompt attention of the NYC police. To use a plate camera may require a permit to avoid arrest for terrorist activities.

 

Joseph--may I ask what you need photographed, and for what purpose (background in rendering, general reference, advertizing images)?

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Photography in NYC is not always easy. Just producing a camera (and I mean 35mm) and taking pictures of buildings can get you the prompt attention of the NYC police. To use a plate camera may require a permit to avoid arrest for terrorist activities.

 

We're extremely lucky in that respect. Toronto still has a very "small town" feel to it, in my opinion, despite the growth that we've experienced in the past few years. I can usually appease any building security personnel with a business card and a good explanation ;) My fingers are crossed that this will remain ture...

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Photography in NYC is not always easy. Just producing a camera (and I mean 35mm) and taking pictures of buildings can get you the prompt attention of the NYC police. To use a plate camera may require a permit to avoid arrest for terrorist activities.

 

Hmmmm... an old colleague once went overseas to work on a building project, and while recce'ing the site got arrested and taken to HQ by the security forces.

Sadly it sounds like how you describe New York today.... but this was actually Baghdad in the 1980s!!!

 

La plus ça change....

 

Cheers,

 

D.

 

PS: I had 3 site photos done here in London last autumn, £450+VAT for one day. Seemed OK to me, but I imagine 'lifestyle' shots would cost more.

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recce'ing the site got arrested and taken to HQ by the security forces.

Sadly it sounds like how you describe New York today.... but this was actually Baghdad in the 1980s!!!

 

New York is probably the most photographed city on Earth. There are always tourists taking pictures of the landmarks, they have to line up. But pre 9/11 I never attracted attention taking photos of buildings, even with a tripod. But since, I have litterally had a van full of NYC police pull up, get out and question me. I long ago learned by unfriendly hired security at sites to carry a copy of the groundfloor plan, or the architects business card, etc. Now I don't mind the police being careful, that's their job. But I expect to be able to continue to do mine. I'm not breaking any laws.

 

Anyway, the point of all that was that these issues probably raise the cost of doing pro photography in public in NYC.

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