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 was a dealership photographer for 3 years (small town dealership) its not glorious. lol I was making 40k a year BUT I was doing 3 positions. photog , service desk rider, and parts rider.
the photo aspect i was paid 13 an hour but only 3 days a week. most the money came from service advising.
most dealerships have a 3rd party website that you have to use to upload and set photos which is used on an app via mobile phone. I tried it with my xt30 at the time and it was much faster to just use my phone.
I was able to take out the nice cars and to a proper photoshoot with my pro cameras BUT was only able to do them when I wasnt working. and then they would want those photos to be used for the first photo on the listing of the nice cars. without paying me other than the hourly/salary amount. no pay for the nice photos in other words.
also not only do you have to take 20 ish pics of the cars you also have to set the details of what the car has ie-bluetooth, heated seats, etc.
climbing into 100+ degree cars in the summer and you HAVE to clean the car off in winter or you would get screamed at by management if the car had snow on it, during winter…