How to Charge Clients for Video Work | Tips for Freelance Videographers and Photographers

[@lamarrion]

Exposure is a camera setting. Not a payment option.

[@quartet111]

What is this a reference to?

[@cr8withnate]

Love it!

[@bwashmedia]

LOL Done!

[@bwanamtui7594]

Ha ha lol true

[@mahjidtarantino499]

#bigfacts!

[@MikeEdwardsphotography]

Gone are the days where we shoot for exposure haha!. Last I checked, bills can't be paid with exposure.

[@bwashmedia]

That's for sure!

[@larbueno]

I've been a professional video producer for over 30 years. I've had some wonderful jobs, gone to beautiful places, had remarkable experiences and worked with some of the BEST people. Yet, being a good businessman has NOT been one of my strong points. As I've mostly been in the natural history side of video production/editing/post-production, I've often worked with lean budgets and had to take side work just to make ends meet. Foolish...yes? I now have the opportunity to produce all of the natural history video content for a 5-room museum. I've been the guest presenter for 3 of this museum's special dinners the last 3 years and they've told me they really like my work. I shoot terrestrial, underwater and aerial video, do my own editing, pre and post production and any other responsibilities needed to create a compelling video. They're not sure of their budget for my part of the re-building of the museum yet, but have said they're concerned they can't afford me. They've also asked me to be fully honest with myself and them and ask for what I truly believe my efforts will be worth. Then if they don't have that amount $, we'll negotiate. I LEARNED valuable things HERE that will help me make this decision! Thanks, Brandon!!!

[@aperturefilm]

Hi larry, can you produce a video for me then ?

[@BrianMakesFilms]

"Shoot for experience....not exposure." I love that. I've stopped shooting for exposure. Typically I'll turn away any business that offers me "exposure" for a job. But there are times if I've got a new industry I want to get into, test out some gear, or create some cool content where I've got more control, I will reach out to a business or non-profit and say "hey, I'd love to shoot some content for you". But it's for my experience and benefit. I think there's a lot of maintaining your power in being the one to initiate the shoot in these cases, because you're not being immediately devalued by a client. This clicked in my head with wedding clients. I've shot weddings for a few years. If a wedding client approached me and wanted me to shoot for exposure - it'd be a hell no. That got me thinking "why would I let a business or non-profit get away with that when I'd never let a wedding client get away with that?" If I reach out to someone and offer to shoot a video - great - but if they come to me with "exposure" - nope.

[@thehign]

Set a price that you're comfortable with and then go find the client that can afford you. Set your price and negotiate the project, not the price. So good! Thank you, Brandon!

[@Ben-fq1lj]

This is probably one of your best videos I’ve seen so far. Really helpful! Especially about that tip on negotiating work.

[@bwashmedia]

Thanks !

[@ayofam9278]

This is awesome. "Negotiate the work not the price"

[@smashhitts5118]

Just a quick suggestion @ 8:00 -- while it is possible to pass a responsibility off to your client, be sure that they know how to do said responsibility because at the end of the day it's your name on the project. If you let someone outside write a script, remember to look it over and make sure it makes sense and is of the highest quality.

[@MikeEdwardsphotography]

Great job B. "Negotiate the work!" Wisdom.

[@jkingimages]

Real talk! You, my friend, are giving very sound advice. I preach exactly what you are saying to fellow photographers and interns.

[@mynameiskim16]

Literally sat here and took notes. Thank you so much for all the value you're bringing your audience! Huge impact.

[@mutinda_K]

This is the first video of yours I've watched and I like your fluent and confident delivery. Bravo. That 'you can get exposure on Facebook' is the solid truth! I'll use that in future negotiations for sure.

[@theloveproductions]

This my third watch. It's a great reminder working in a pandemic to not undersell myself just to keep afloat. Negotiating the work has been the best note for me.

[@AdventureWidely]

I appreciate your honest content. It's a good reality-check and good advice, not fluff made just to get another video released. Keep it up man!

[@webgraphr718]

Thank You Brandon! This is the best pricing video I've watched. Real examples with real numbers! Most videos on this topic do not mention actual prices which still doesn't answer most of the viewers questions about different scenarios. Very valuable information here. Thanks again!

[@bwashmedia]

No Problem I am going to try and keep putting out videos like this. Any other topics you'd like me to cover?

[@strangerpresents4535]

YOU, my friend, have done perhaps the BEST job at addressing this question I've seen a lot of up-and-comers ask. Great work. 🤜🏽💥🤛🏿

[@jupiterleomedia3673]

Been in the game for 10 years, left and now back again. I'm so thankful for your insight bro. Subbed and liked! Keep up the great content. Stay prosperous.

[@SamuelObafemi]

There was so much knowledge in this video. Wow. This is really amazing. I definitely will come back to this video over and over again. Thank you so so much.

[@bwashmedia]

Thank you!!

[@jennamasonmedia]

Thank you so much. Feels so nice to hear this advice and have you speak to SO many things that have been circling through my mind as a videographer. I often don’t charge what I’m worth, both for the experience and the exposure. I’m learning quickly. My next challenge is how to keep income coming in and find the right clients. Subscribed to your channel to learn more from you. Thanks!

[@FlamecomMartian]

Man, the reason I keep coming back to this channel is cos your content is right up my alley man. Not only do you make killer gear reviews, but you also dive deep into the logistics and business side of freelancing, which really opens up my eyes, and I come out of your videos having a completely new understanding and genuinely feeling like I’ve learnt something new. Definitely more than my "film" school lol, which is like 90% filler content completely unrelated to filmmaking. But yeah, keep up the hustle and strong work ethic mate! You do what you do best, and I’m guaranteed to be there!

[@bwashmedia]

Bro thanks so much I really appreciate that! Is there any thing else I can make video on that are helpful?

[@FlamecomMartian]

@@bwashmedia oh lol I'm on exchange rn so im not back doing film studies until... i think March or April next year. Rn cant think of what specifically I want to learn about... okay truth be told i wanna learn about having a capable editing rig and pc build, but idk if that's ur fortè

[@Angelux31]

Have to say, I have watched a lot of videos in this topic, and I just loved how you talk about shooting for experiences not for exposure, plus many other things that bring real and practical value, THANKS SO MUCH!

[@fitlovepower661]

Really thank you for this video Brandon as it helped me with revamping my pricing for going into 2020 especially the part about when client can't afford negoiate things out instead of undervalue self.

[@tyronetolentino]

By far one of your most helpful videos ever! Thank you for the wisdom, Brandon! 🙏

[@bwashmedia]

Thanks bro, any other video ideas you think will be helpful?

[@gerasmus]

Please don’t apologize in your videos, you have added incredible value here. I make agricultural real estate videos for my own business and been thinking of turning the video production into a business myself. Subscribed ! Regards from the town of Ellisras, Limpopo Province, South Africa :)

[@LCVFilms]

OMG thank you so much for this Brandon, I really needed to hear that, I've been trying to build my video production business but had difficulties making it work until I saw the "Find the right client" tip, I appreciate all the great advice :D:D :D

[@martydenson_mfm]

This is the best video I have ever watched on how to charge clients. Everything you said made perfect sense. Good stuff B!

[@marqueshaynes8780]

Brandon, this one did it for me bro..... You are the truth... Thank you!!!!

[@pcproffy]

I love #3 negotiate the work, not the price. Not just preproduction, but also have different budget options. Say, maybe you skip drone footage, or you'll do a series of 3 product videos instead of 5. Offer your top Gold package first, then they'll feel better to come down to your silver package.

[@lanorc]

the last rule is so interesting because its true. Experience is worth so much more then exposure and also gets you into learning different topics.

[@johnslater8998]

Good advice about shooting for experiences and not for exposure. May I add that one great experience to gain is doing something to help your community or people in need. If you’re going to work for free for the experience, why not make a video or ad that helps a local charity or agency, helps raise money to find cures, etc? Maybe pick a cause you care about and make it your own project. Partner with a charity rather than taking them as a “client.” You’ll get some good work for your reel, good professional experience, maybe some good exposure too, and the satisfaction of doing good as well.

[@bwashmedia]

That's a great idea! More people should be doing this!

[@WuZei]

Definitely need a follow up video with invoicing and payment processes. Great video btw!

[@bwashmedia]

Will Do!

[@mikeglassburn]

This is huge for me. It’s truly going to help moving forward.

[@Blackfilmguild]

Great advice, the only thing I would push back on, is by allowing the client to do some of the work, they might not do the work to the standard of excellence that you do and it could devalue the product and your brand. For example, if they do the pre-production and have no experience about how to write a script or location scouting, it can ultimately lessen the value of the overall project. I have a work around for this!

[@innerviewmediaproduction5267]

Hey Brandon, would love to see how to put bids and invoice together!

[@creativedwill]

Broo! The best video i have watched on this topic. You should definitely do an extended video going a little deeper into these concepts. Even offer a course and i would definitely purchase. This provided alot of Value! Goof stuff man!

[@52hz52hz]

You’re amazing, not only because of your videography, it’s in the spirit of sharing, i watched your iPhone promax video and I’m sold. 😉 thank you

[@JasonNoto]

Great content; plus, the idea of a video for sending quotes and invoicing/payment and delivery etc. is a good idea

[@DonteMassengill]

i just subscribed! I am a full-time musician (a drummer) and your advice helped me make decisions on some of the things i struggle with. Getting paid for my value, and not my time! Wow, thanks for that segment, and breaking it down in that manner! Also, finding the right client, and locking down a consistent pricing model were also very valuable lessons. I know this was old to you, but new and very relevant for me. Thank you for sharing!

[@Lordalbertreels]

This was worth every minute of my time, highly informative. Thanks 🙏

[@ataylor073]

Dammm... I fell for the exposure line....... The way you broke it down in the video, now all im doing is shaking my head. GREAT VIDEO ( I do photography but same rules apply) you definitely got put on my radar. Thanks for the advice

[@darealphantom]

This video is chalk full of information as someone that just started in July and already seeing an improvement in my work this video is extremely helpful❗️💯

[@NedisGO]

I'm super happy that I found you. Love your videos, bro! They are really helpful. Keep going!

[@danielrodriguez7243]

Awesome you just confirmed a couple things I was already thinking. Glad I’m on the right track. Your opinion was very helpful. Very well done keep going!

[@PaulePorter]

Great Video Brandon with great Insights I haven't thought about. Thanks.

[@bwashmedia]

No problem! Thanks for watching.

[@alifilmz7316]

Excellent tips!! So glad to hear others have come to these conclusions also.

[@customit]

We did the exposure a couple of times thinking it was going to pay off, we don't do it anymore. you spend a lot in equipment and education that you can't afford to give away. Very good video

[@shellyclark9978]

Business consultant and job title to be expose for tv show.

[@pcproffy]

Re for "exposure". This happened to me all the time with personal training. "Help me get fit for free and I'll be your walking advertisement". Problem is, they aren't valuing your service. It also showed me they weren't really motivated. Free clients have no problem wasting your time, flaking, and ironically complain the most.

[@WADATMEDIA]

Dude this is exactly what I needed. We need more videos like this bro. I'm also buying your contract package

[@letsreviewhouston]

maaan this is 100 % great tips, for sure a second video is a must

[@anachronicmind1922]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Blessings!!! Thank you so much especially for your opinion on 'Exposure vs Potential Clients'!

[@IshPicturesque]

Great video.. never shoot for exposure.. definitely make a follow up one on invoicing/pricing . There’s a lot that goes to video

[@bwashmedia]

True, True Yea that video is coming soon!

[@jessica_video_projects]

I work retail for about 18 years now... I'm so ready for a change. I have my degree in Audio and I've been shooting video for 8 years. You have good advice.

[@ohshowproductionsllc]

Great advice Brandon! I wish I figured this out a LOT sooner and younger. Thanks for sharing!

[@mindsightent]

Thanks for the sound advice. I like shoot for the experience not exposure. Subbed

[@vaclavmichalekmusic]

Wow, there is so much wisdom a lot of creative people need to hear...Thanks!

[@peterstagg5493]

Right on point Brandon! As a professional photographer with over 20 years experience in portraits and weddings I make approx $1000 per customer and at this time of the year it’s often $10k/wk. So, yesterday I had a customer who wanted me to work on New Year’s Eve so I have an extra fee of $1000 to work on New Year’s Eve, Christmas Day or Easter Sunday etc but if they don’t pay it doesn’t bother me because YOUR TIME is your MOST VALUABLE ASSET 🤙 Best vid I’ve seen this week bro 😎

[@bwashmedia]

Bro That's awesome and i think your totally right on about charging more to work holidays. I have a family so there's no way I would take one on but good for you knowing your worth.

[@brandoncharleson]

Long video but ALL really good tips man! Appreciate it! 👌🏻👌🏻

[@treysgarage4512]

Wow you literally just blew my Mind about the shooting for exposure you are so right !

[@bendelaughter]

My God. That negotiating the work point is so good. I make wedding films so for me, if the client can't afford me, I can take something out (full ceremony video, full speech video, etc.) But thinking in terms of commercial work I was wondering how you can do less for less money without just intentionally making a worse video, which would be dumb. Excellent point. Subscribed.

[@Angelux31]

@Jarrod Stark Thanks!

[@JonackFilm]

I watched this video now 3 times as a reminder. Very good and help full

[@afti03]

SERIOUSLY, i learned a ton from this video! definitely subscribing!

[@MiguelLopez-xp6yz]

For sure the best video I have watch on giving feedback on how much should you charge. Thanks for the tips

[@Navostar1]

I didn’t think that I would sit through this video... but I’m glad I did. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@GriffinConway]

Best video I have seen on your channel. Thanks for sharing bro!

[@pixelpearlproduction538]

Thank you. I really took a lot from this video. As a beginner videographer myself I’ve been struggling with everything you mentioned and you’ve cleared the air about those things.

[@ErisN]

That`s one of the best videos on the subject Brandon. Awesome. You gained a new Subscriber. Keep up the great work.

[@csongi.barabas]

Very good video, bro! Thanks for the time invested and great value!

[@EIY_Kumar]

Great Tips Man.... Very realistic

[@Ranger7Studios]

Fantastic video! Even as an established videographer I struggle on price and what to charge, especially when I know that most of my clients (mostly consisting of indie musicians) are on tight budgets. That's again for this video and I'm look forward to the next one!

[@bwashmedia]

Thanks what suggestions would you give for another business topic video

[@nikkiknutson2846]

tip #2 wooooweeeeee yesssss! thank you! dope tips

[@adnan_velic]

Awesome video man I definitely solidified some of the things I was debating in my mind like the exposure/experience thing. I think if you can’t do something for experience the photography/videography thing isn’t for you.

[@insayno]

These are one of the best set of tips i've ever seen on the internet when it comes to paying clients. Thank you so much bro.

[@MatsGoldberg]

Awesome content Brandon! Lots of good tips that goes for all different creative professions. More people should watch this!

[@eunoia4769]

Dope tips. I talked about charge based on value but I was hoping I would talk about how to determine what value you have.

[@BrandonTalbot]

Finding this late but wow Brandon, such a great video

[@thefluencyrocket]

This is the best video on this subject I've seen so far! Thanks, bro!

[@wildwisdomjourneys7221]

Excellent business advise. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@DESIGNS-vo1mt]

Excellent info bro. Keep it coming!

[@babyblue704]

Very well put together and very informative. You have earned yourself a sub my friend.

[@GlenPrinceTech]

You're awesome man! Glad I found your channel 🙌🏾

[@post-monk671]

yes please! sending invoices and quotes please!

[@builderspluscustomhomesand2146]

Let me shorten up the getting paid part ... YOUR price is THE price, if the client wants to haggle prices. haggle the work. If your fee is $3,500 but they have a $500 budget.... then you take $3,000 worth of work away. DO NOT let a client dictate your business because the ora will be in the air and everybody you talk to will want a major craigslist type discount and will be hard to fight it.

[@DesignedByMaejor]

powerful video!!! i didn’t even realize how long it was because i was soaking in all the valuables 🤷🏾‍♂️💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@Nelsontron1]

Good business advice! Thank you.

[@SUVO_RAW]

Thanks for this useful information, you just change my mind by this

[@drewlorenzo9291]

Love the way you explained everything, very informative and helpful, thanks, one of the best Videos I seen in a long time

[@truce11]

New here. Subscribed! Very clear and to the point!

[@jaywilsonmedia3642]

Yea the thing about turning the elements over to the client is if everything falls through they will still look to you to make magic happen and bring the production together with nothing.

[@m.jorquera]

great notes B! Appreciate your time.

[@pricelessstudiodesign4312]

man you dropped some knowledge in this video I just happen to see it on my youtube timeline.

[@skycedi]

Great tips and principles bro! Very helpful.

[@ARESACEFILMS]

Really helpful tips! Thank you Brandon!

[@RightOnRyan]

Super insightful my dude. You know!

[@andersistbesser]

i love your videos because you are 100% real.

[@JohnCookAudoVideo]

Love your videos, business Monday's is a excellent idea really appreciate your business advice so many only stick to camera gear reviews and all that does nothing to progress my business. You inspired me to charge more than I've been just "ok" with charging..... Thanks

[@maxmoviez]

great thoughts...thanks for this video

[@TaurellFussell]

Had to delete my other comment cause I didn't finish the video.... Perfect explanation bro. Thank u for taking my advice. This helps alot..... Can you do a video on ways to find better clients if your stuck around cheaper clients

[@SamuelObafemi]

Let me put myself here incase he answers this question cos I'm interested in the answer.

[@TaurellFussell]

@@SamuelObafemi same here

[@bwashmedia]

Yes I will. I'm working on coming up with more business related content. What other subjects would you like me to cover?

[@SamuelObafemi]

@@bwashmedia a detailed video on how to prepare an invoice for clients and all the nuances involved would be so much appreciated. I'm just started out. Thank you so much for your time and effort.

[@ArmandsBrantsFilms]

Works in every industry, not only film making!

[@bwashmedia]

Thats true

[@Boyz92izer]

This video is GOLD!

[@3.9media79]

Thanks for the advice love the details and explanations. You have gained my subscription and like.