Pricing & Negotiating

Whether a stock quote for a small magazine or a treatment for a big ad campaign, we have the experience and skill to research, price, and negotiate every type of project.

pricing

BUILDING ESTIMATES

Our producers have extensive experience creating commercial estimates of all kinds. We will first talk with you (and your client if you like) to get a thorough understanding of your project. We will then draft a proposal, factoring in the complexity of the job, the photographer’s time, skill and uniqueness, the licensing required by the client, the necessary production elements, and overall market conditions. We will review the details of the quote with you and then negotiate (or assist you in negotiating) the final terms with the client.

About 2-3 hours to build an estimate from the ground up.

Estimated turnaround: 1-2 days

CASE STUDIES


ESTIMATE REVIEW

There are times when even the most experienced photographer or agent needs a second opinion on a complex estimate. Our producers can review your estimate to make sure you’re structuring the licensing agreement in the best possible way, quoted an appropriate fee, and that you’re listing all of the appropriate production expenses.

About 1-2 hours to develop creative/licensing fees only, to develop a stock quote or to review an estimate you’ve created.

Estimated turnaround: 1 day


CONTRACT REVIEW

When a publication, agency, brand, or rep sends you a contract, they don’t necessarily expect you to sign it as-is. Our producers have the experience to know when and how to modify those terms. We’ve reviewed contracts from all of the major newspapers, magazines, ad agencies, brands, as well as many photo reps – so we know what’s reasonable and what isn’t. We can review a document and help you turn legal jargon into plain English, or we can help you craft your own contract from the ground up. Either way, we’ll make sure your interests and rights are well protected, and that you fully understand what you are about to sign.

About 1-2 hours to review a contract.

Estimated turnaround: 1-2 days

CASE STUDIES


TREATMENTS

Whether it’s an estimate with a 6-digit bottom line or a small project for an important new client, you should always consider delivering a treatment to go along with your cost estimate if it’s a project you really want to get. A treatment is a presentation that allows you to elaborate on your approach to a project and supply additional information not typically included in a simple estimate. A basic treatment should integrate your branding and include a cover letter expressing your interest in the project, along with sample images. But it can also be more complex and include crew bios, and an explanation of your creative, technical, and production approach. Whether it contains a lot or a little, a treatment will allow you to convey a level of professionalism that will help you stand apart from the crowd.

Our producers can help you populate your existing treatment template or our designers can create a new template for you.

Pricing and turnaround quoted on a case-by-case basis.

CASE STUDIES


PRICING & NEGOTIATING COACHING

Our Pricing & Negotiating Coaching is a great way to get a handle on all your estimating practices, whether you find yourself quoting on editorial, corporate, advertising assignments or stock. We’ll start with a review of your current process including an in-depth analysis of up to three of your recent estimates. Then we’ll share our process on how we develop estimates and best practices on…

  • how to determine appropriate fees and expenses
  • how to write a proper licensing agreement (including usage and exclusivity)
  • all of the necessary terms and conditions
  • when a treatment is appropriate and what it should look like
  • best practices using the estimating application BlinkBid

$750 package price 
Estimated turnaround: 1 week


Expert Witness

If you need help navigating business or legal issues related to visual media – including advice on copyright infringement, valuation, or calculating appropriate licensing fees, we’re here for you. Our producers have decades of experience, quoting on thousands of commercial and editorial assignments and stock photo licensing agreements. They’re well-versed in industry standards and copyright law, and can work as an Expert Witness alongside your legal team, translating complex concepts into actionable insights. We can provide expert testimony, in-depth analyses, and litigation support in a broad range of scenarios. Whether you need guidance with copyright disputes, licensing agreements, or valuation matters, our team can provide comprehensive insight tailored to the uniqueness of each case.