A Quick Start Guide to Pricing and Gear for Video Shoots
If you're a food, lifestyle, portrait, or product photographer who keeps getting asked to quote for video content, you're not alone. Video requests are booming, and adding this to your services can be a great opportunity. Here’s a quick guide on pricing and the gear you’ll need, depending on the complexity of the job.
Pricing can vary based on your experience, the project’s complexity, and what your client needs. Here’s a rough breakdown to help get you started:
Basic Video Shoot: For simple shoots (like a short product demo or recipe video), you can charge AUD 600–1,200 per day for shooting. Editing can range from AUD 50–100 per hour depending on the complexity.
Intermediate Projects: If you're shooting a more involved lifestyle or portrait video, or perhaps a detailed food shoot with multiple setups, consider pricing AUD 1,200–2,500 per day. Editing for these projects might range from AUD 100–150 per hour.
Advanced/Complex Projects: Full-scale video productions involving multiple scenes, complex editing, or special effects can go beyond AUD 2,500 per day with project-based editing rates ranging from AUD 500 to 5,000 depending on deliverables.
Essential Gear Depending on Complexity
Your gear requirements will vary based on the type of video shoot you're handling. Here’s a breakdown:
Basic Shoots (Product or simple recipe videos):
DSLR or Mirrorless camera with video capabilities (e.g., Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R5)
Tripod and basic lighting setup (e.g., softbox or ring light)
Basic audio equipment (Lapel mic or on-camera mic)
Intermediate Shoots (Lifestyle or portrait videos):
DSLR or Mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities
Stabilizers like a gimbal for smooth handheld shots
Multiple lighting setups (softboxes, reflectors)
Lavalier mics and shotgun mics for better audio clarity
Advanced Shoots (Full food productions or complex commercials):
Professional video cameras (e.g., Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera or Sony FX6)
Full lighting kits (key lights, fill lights, and backlights)
Advanced audio gear (Boom mic, wireless lavaliers)
Video monitors and multiple lenses (wide, macro, prime, etc.)
Tip: Always factor in additional costs like gear rental, travel, and revision rounds when quoting your clients.
Offering video content can elevate your business, so don’t be afraid to start small, build your skills, and adjust your rates as you grow!