Photography Pricing?

Question

I am a student photographer and I am having trouble making a price list for people. I do portraits of kids, adults, couples, family, whatever. Anyway, I dont really want to offer prints of the pictures, I was thinking of just giving them all the pictures on a cd. I know alot of people who want to do pictures just to put on their myspace LOL... so what do u guys think would be a fair price to offer as I am still a student and learning but I do a good job? You can view my website (in progress of building) at www.candidlifephotos.com

Thanks!

Thanks for your answers. I actually think the same thing that one of you said about the posing. I think the pictures come out good but I do lack the posing skills!!! So I will look into setting up poses better. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Be careful of selling yourself short. As a photography student myself, I never felt confident in charging a lot of money, as well, I always gave up the negatives (before digital) because it was easier. But your bread and butter are in those prints they want to get. If you give them a cd, make them low res for online only, or watermark them. For pricing, you need to shop around with other photographers in the area. They are the competition. Call local photographers and ask them pricing questions, just tell them you are an interested client. Or ask others you know in the biz. Then charge a little under what they charge since you are a student. My experience is that if you start out with certain bad business practices as a student, it's hard to give them up when you turn pro, so make sure you do it right from the begining.

Answer 2

The thing about contacting them and getting pricing information over the phone or in person is you know it's going to be fairly accurate. If you're looking at a website or literature from a bridal show, there's no telling when the last time it was updated or if it's changed recently and they will probably have a disclaimer that the pricing is subject to change, so they probably wouldn't honor old pricing. Speaking with someone can also help you factor in costs that aren't standard with each package like how long the photographer will be there, travel costs, etc, and if any of those types of costs are applicable. I'm not a photographer but as someone who has worked in customer service and retail for a long time, I can understand their desire to speak with someone about pricing and answer their questions rather than put that information on a web page. They may also have a lot o packages they don't advertise, so speaking to them could allow you to get a customized package. When I was looking for a photographer, I didn't want to have to buy a specific number and sizes of pictures, I wanted to pick and chose and I wanted to keep all the proofs without paying extra. Calling around and asking questions allowed me to find the photographer that was right for me. Good luck.

Answer 3

Pricing is based upon 3 things:

1) Qualifications
2) Time
3) Cost

1 - How good are you? Unfortunately you are a student still and are advertising yourself as one. So you can't go around basing your prices off someone whose been in the business for 5 years and has multiple forms of eduction under their belt. How qualified are you? Figure out how many years you have been a student and figure what that time is worth in a practical world.

2 - How long does it take you to turn around a product? If it takes you 5 weeks just to produce a proof album then you are very low on the totem pole.

3 - What are your costs? You have to make a profit off your costs. Start off figuring your costs and then marking them up 50 - 100%. So if it costs you $10 to print something - charge a customer $15 - $20 for that product.

I looked over your photos and they aren't bad. the posing is very bland though - nothing dynamic. Especially since I see photos of kis straight on. That is a HUGE NO NO!!!. Never photograph straight on. Never, ever, ever. (in case you can't tell, don't photograph straight on). Turn the boy 45 degress from the camera into the main light, drop his shoulders some... create dynamic. Check out a website Amerst Media (www.amherstmedia.com) for picking up books on beginning portrait posing.

You have a lot to learn. So at this point, I'd concider charging dirt cheap prices and work on experience. What I'd suggest you charge:

Sitting Fee: $25
Reservation Fee: $30
4x5: $2.20
5x7: $3.50
8x10: $5.25
11x14: $8.50
Proofs: $50

Answer 4

You have to build up a reputation. I built up a reputation as an amuteur film maker in my area. I charge $50 an hour (for filming) and $100 flat fee after everything is all done. I do the filming, the editing and all that stuff myself. The word spreads fast if you do a good job at it. I was offered $1000 for a just a pump up video, but denied it because I felt like I would not do the best job at it. You have to know your limits too.

Like the guy above me said, you have to be qualitified, do quality not quanitity. The better job you do your cilents will spred the word about how good you are and your bussiness will rise. If you do a terrible job of course your bussiness will fall.

I would charge at least 2 to 3 times more than what it cost you to print out. Some even charge 5-10x's the amount its cost them to print out.

Answer 5

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