Calling all photographers! How do you price your pictures?

Question

How do you price your pictures, such as for weddings, portraits, etc...? Do you use film or digital? How do your clients get their photos back: proofs, etc? I'm tring to get my photography business a little more off the ground and trying to find out how others do it, what works, what doesn't, etc....

Thanks!

Answer 1

The action of trade is not an area for newness. The film
school here is one trend only, and that is changeable. You have
to look at the event. Weddings, and many types of events
are memories. Showing the various hot spots of the actions
that are memorable. Themed pictures need more artistry in
one of two clients, traditional, or upbeat. Lately is not always
modern, it can be something as simple as events are taking
near the birdsong of a country inn. Upbeat would therefore
get candid shots of the birds, the vendor(gardens) and the
appreciations. Traditional would look for the art of the scenery.
This is the first important update of photographers to add to your decision. What the client wants, is what you know you have.
Also be polite about digital enhancements. Keep originals on
file for a contract period, as well as a copy printed. Use a
full sheet thumbnail file of each client. Then when they call for
a discussion, anywhere you can take out the thumbnail a
simple magnifying glass and talk senseably. Here is a good
place to look at the photo supply shoppes. The artist you are
should show in the price, also get reasonable. Say a set of
10 of 10 copies for a prom. 20 dollars each. This is setting a
standard that further work, is additional cost. Anniversaries is not a good customer, though more copies is a good sale. Say
10 shots for ten clients again, now it is 40.00 dollars each. http://www.paper.com

Answer 2

I try and price based on the type of work i do...i haven't done weddings yet, but took a wedding photography class and learned to base it on a set packaged price, including what you have to offer.....wedding album, prints, CD, etc.

when it comes to pricing individual people it all depends on how big the job is....engagement shots could range from 100-1000.....with maybe some prints included or a CD for an additional 50 dollars. if they want large prints charge more, depending on how much it cost you......

If you want to limit them as to how many prints to buy....make a proof sheet, with the best shots and have them pick some out at individual pricing or make a base price from 50-75 dollars or more if you think the shoot was worth more......

Remember try not to sell yourself short but don't over price either because your just beginning and don't want to loose clients due to pricing......make sure that you keep your prices around the same amount......and you are going to give someone a discount let them know that you are giving them that price only.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I use digital and shoot on location, charging a flat session rate, no sitting fee or "hidden" fees and only a location fee if shot outside the county. I offer a CD with 50 photos and find that the simpler my charges are the better the customer likes them. I keep my session price lower than the average photographer because I wanted to cater to those who can't or won't spend $250.00 or more for engagement/graduation photos, etc. outright. I have a low overhead as I don't offer "proofs" and let my customer view and choose their shots on my web site.
This is very convenient for my customer as well as myself.

Answer 4

Shoot digital...offer a DVD or CD included in your price... Charge by the event or by the hour for studio work. Typically a studio should generate at least $50.00 hr.

Have a $35.00 sitting fee and offer packages starting at $50.00 including studio time.

Weddings depend on what you offer... be competitive... check your competition... Advertise your specialty...

Have nice business cards with your rates printed on the back and sow them as seeds for more business... the best advertising you could do...

Advertise a special doing pets and their owners... make it their choice of image as 8x10 with other sizes available or offer them a CD of all the shots. Charge minimum of $50.00

keep thinking of ways to make it work... call realtors and ask if they need any houses photographed. Charge per location and mileage, say $25.00 each.

KEEP THINKING....
KEEP SHOOTING...

beaux