Photography Competitive Pricing and Packages?

Question

Okay here is my third rounds of dumb questions... I am just starting up and I see that everyone offers to give the client burned copies of the images... Is that standard these days... or should I only give them a few.... In addition.. How much is the "standard" for 8x10s, Super Bs, and 5x7s... Also should I charge extra for retouching and converting to .pdf format? Is there a source where I can find "standard pricing" for photo services...?

Oh and what is the "standard" package.. right now I am offering:

Five 8x10s with retouch
300-350 shots (digital)
3-4 Clothing Changes
Copy of pictures on CD
Format to headshot layout of the five pictures chosen and save as .pdf

Oops forgot... all my files are in jpeg... I convert the chosen pics into headshot layout on .pdf format... sorry for the confusion...

Answer 1

I would see what is standard in your area. Price competitively. Also see what everyone else is putting into their packages, or ask your clients what they would like to see in a package. There is no standard across the board, it's local.

I have never heard of just giving the client a burned copy of the portrait. Then there goes your resales. If you do offer it, make sure it's a hefty price, to cover your expense at not getting reprint sales and to cover your copyright, unless you are not giving them copyright so they cannot reprint it anywhere.

I would charge extra for retouching b/c it is taking your time. I will take out a blemish or two, but anything more I charge, per face per pose.

Hope this helps some.

Answer 2

First of all, I'm not sure why you offer images as a PDF instead of the standard JPEG or TIFF image formats. Converting it to a PDF is just an extra step.

Second, when I photograph an individual or a portrait session, I only do basic retouching (camera spots, flares, pretty much imperfections in the photo caused by my own lack of paying attention). Any additional retouching is charged at $15 / hour. I can average 20 photos an hour retouching.

An 8x10 will average about $10 - $15 depending on the quality of the image. The whole thing is you aren't selling an 8x10 you are selling your skills reproduced as an image. So the question is more of how much do you think you are worth.

On the occasion where I'll do a senior they purchase a session and then they purchase packages. Check out http://weeter.com/sessions.asp for a list of sessions that a person can purchase (A great photographer I use to work for). Then, figure out what it costs you to produce a package of your design. Then figure in time and mark up the total cost so you make a profit.

If you have any questions, email me: [e-mail]

Answer 3

Search the web for other sites that sell images from events and sporting venues. Pick the high, low and a couple of mid-range prices and then pick the fees you can live with. Don't forget to include your overhead and that includes replacing your camera bodies every four to five years and buying a new computer about every three years. Yeah, I know, business sucks sometimes.