Pricing Strategies for Photography Jobs in Game Development

Game development companies often need high-quality photography for various purposes, including creating photorealistic maps using photogrammetry. Charging for such a job requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the value delivered. This article outlines various pricing strategies and factors to consider based on your experience and the company's requirements.

The Value Proposition

The amount you should charge for a photography job depends on several factors, including the value it brings to the project and the specific needs of the game development company.

If you have a waiting list of customers and have had to turn down projects due to overloading, consider pricing based on cost plus. Estimate your time, material, and overhead costs, and add a safety margin of 50%. This approach ensures that you cover your expenses and make a reasonable profit.

Alternatively, if you view this job as a strategic project to bolster your career, estimate your costs and offer a 20% discount. Request contractual permission to provide references and include samples in your portfolio. Be bold in asking for a revenue sharing agreement, which can be mutually beneficial.

Bidding Guidelines

When bidding for these types of jobs, consider the following general guidelines: If you have more than 3 previous large corporate clients with 500 employees: Charge 65% of your daily rate for the projected days required. If you have a decent number of smaller projects: Charge around 45% of your daily rate. If you are brand new: Estimate the lowest possible rate and add 20-30% to pad it. Emphasize the long-term benefits for the studio in terms of quality and future business opportunities.

Remember that game studios may not have ample budget for photography, especially for tasks like map design. On average, budgets for marketing and advertising might range from 30-50%, while programming and art budgets also fall in the same range. Other expenses, such as audio, music, voice talent, administration, PR, quality assurance, and more, absorb the remaining funds.

Logistics Considerations

Incorporate the following considerations for logistics and re-shoots: Re-shoots and location travel: Include 15% for re-shoots, covering any location travel costs above local gas. If they request significant re-shooting, the studio would need to pay your normal day rate.

Remember that this is a rough guideline. Adjust your pricing based on the specific needs and demands of the project. Be flexible and make strategic decisions to ensure the work is feasible and provides value.

Final Considerations

Ensure that you can afford to take on the work and maintain your reputation. This is not just about the payday; it's about building a career that is sustainable and respected within the industry. Enjoy the opportunity and remember that it can create significant demand for your services in the future.

Good luck! This is an exciting time, and the success of this job can open doors to more opportunities in the future.