So I am looking to get into dealership photography as a side gig with my Nikon Z50 with two different lens (35mm 1.8 / 50mm 1.8) just to make some money through this winter season. I am considering about charging the dealerships in my area per vehicle, $30CAD (nearly $22 USD). That would include my time to take the photos, organize them, do some editing, fuel to get to the dealers, etc. Does this seem reasonable to do by the vehicle? Or should I just do an hourly rate at 20CAD (14.50USD)?
The reason why I thought of per vehicle is that I’m seeing some dealers not having a bunch of vehicles come in and out, with the need of better / or more photos. Of course I could work it out with the dealers I end up getting work with.
I do have another question for those that currently or have done car dealership photography, what mm lens would you recommend? I am currently looking at an 18-200 lens to buy. Or should I get an 18-24mm?
I did photography for 8 dealerships back in 2014-2016. I’m not sure how much has changed in terms of pricing, but the workflow I imagine should be more efficient.
I worked for two companies that contracted photographers out to shoot for these dealerships. We were given a point and shoot camera, a device that syncs the timestamp with vehicle stock numbers, and a printer to create buyers guides that are mandatory for any used vehicle on the lot for sale here in the US.
Dealers do not want to “receive” these photos for them to upload individually for their vehicles. A system to upload them yourself is a must to make their lives easier. The used car manager at any dealership should be well versed in how this could work. I always wanted to be able to work 100% off of my iPhone back then, and now that phone cameras are very capable, I believe it can be done now. Shoot, print and upload all from one device.
$23 per car was about average (I would see less than that as a contractor but it’s what the dealers liked to pay). I would typically photograph 4-10 used vehicles per day and our dealers needed photos of new cars as well. We charged $8 for new vehicles, I could easily shoot 50 on a 9-3pm day with a one hour lunch.
It is a lucrative business. Summers suck, them vehicles get real hot. Research some of these companies that have been doing this for years. Or go work for them as a contractor. There is a lot to consider when doing this independently, but in turn can be a lot more rewarding. Best of luck.
edit: do not do hourly.