What's a good rate for a marathon photographer?

[PaulKelm]

I've searched, but haven't been able to find what I'm looking for.

I'd like to ask your opinions as to what a good daily rate for photographing a marathon would be. The company that is looking for a few more photographers to round out its team has exclusive rites to sell to the participants of the race.

The job would consist of setting up at a pre-assigned location and shooting quality tight shots of as many runners as possible.

The photographer would be using his own equipment, except for some memory cards which would be provided by the company. The only work to be done after the day of shooting is to burn the images onto CDs and to send them to the company in a pre-paid mailer with an express mail service.

Gas money will be paid as will food and drinks for the day.

The race has around 4000 participants.

Please excuse my ignorance.

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

[rolland_elliott]

$175 to $250.00 depending on experience is what I think would be fair.

[PaulKelm]

Rolland,

Thanks for your reply. The company in charge of race photos offered just below what you estimated ($125 - 200) plus money for food ($20) plus money for gas ($.20 per mile/kilometer).

I've read a lot on these and other forums where those who do this work for a living scold newbies for taking on work for peanuts and the thrill of shooting an event, or for undercutting established pros. Does the offer I mentioned above do this? The country where I live (and where this event takes place) is not a wealthy country. One of my friends who is a professional photographer has agreed to do the job with me for the same pay. What are your thoughts?

[Ken_Shelton]

Is the contractor expecting you to stay through the last runner or is there a time cutoff for your services? You could find yourself standing in the dark waiting for the last stragglers at 12-hours plus. You might think about negotiating an hourly rate. $60-75 per hour is typical here for the circumstance you describe. The busiest times are between 3 hours and 5 hours after the start.

Ken

[PaulKelm]

Ken,

Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't asked about that, but I will. Last year I shot the marathon myself and found the "busy times" to be as you suggested. The race had a cut-off time and that's how long I shot.

[Mike_Zinski]

Ditto on what ken sheltons posted. It's a long day and a lot of wear & tear on your equipment. Typically they want you to shoot as many participants as possible and often multiple images. Look to shoot at least 4000 shots. Expect on the min 3 hours and max 7. Most marathons close the course and scoop everyone up at 6 hours.

Good Luck,

Mike

[PaulKelm]

Thanks for all of your responses. It sounds like what's being offered to us is about right. I'll be happy to give it a go.

For those of you who have shot marathons do you have any tips?

Here are some thoughts after my experiences last year:

- Bring something to sit and/or stand on (for rest during waits and to shoot over others if needed).
- Use a monopod, tripod, or neither?
- Set up early (I was happy that I had in each case, others weren't so well prepared).
- Have plenty of extra cards and a large capacity storage device for back-up.
- Bring rain gear.
- Remember to have credentials out.
- Leave seldom used lenses home.
- I used my 17-35 and my 28-70 the most.
- The 100-400 didn't see much use. The 70-200 didn't see much use either.

Are there any other things you think would be helpful?