How Much Should You Charge For a Swimwear Catalog Shoot?

Swimwear

I got this question from Jaime on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/howtomodel). She was offered a modeling job doing a swimwear catalog. She booked it directly, without an agent. She was told that she would be flying around the United States doing these photos. She had absolutely no idea how much to charge. So, she asked me if I had any suggestions for her. Here is my response.

Dear Jaime:

Congratulations on the booking. It sounds wonderful. There are a few things you want to ask before doing the work.

First, can you send this booking through an agent? They would know exactly what to charge the client. I would not spend a penny on airfare. That would be putting yourself at too much risk. Even if you worked out an arrangement where you are paid a salary, but would have to pay for your expenses, then still, I would have them deduct your air fare and hotel expenses from your salary. If something happens and you don’t get paid, you don’t want to be in a situation where you lose any money.

Are you familiar with this company? Have they been in business a long time? Have you seen their other catalogs? You don’t want to fly across the country to shoot swim wear with people you don’t know anything about. Perhaps you can talk with other models who have worked for this company before you accept the booking.

I am not sure if you were contacted by the photographer, manufacturer or the ad agency, but I think it will be really helpful to speak with a number of people who are involved with the project to make sure it is legimit.