i dunno how much $$$$$

pattyhm73 · **i dunno how much $$$$$ -** 06-04-2008, 01:32 PM

i have a question, i have no idea how much to charge my friend to shoot her clothes designs, i did some recently and i didnt charge her, but i did tell her that on the second round i was, but i havent told her how much and she wants me to do another one, do i charge per session, hourly or what???

i know the next one is in one location and several female models and more than one piece of clothes per model, and also, one of the guys wants to buy his pic's, i guess for his portofolio, how much do i sell the pic's to him, is there a diferent price for having my signature than not having it on the pic

thnx

JeromeL · 11:16 PM

There are a few things you have to consider Patty:

1st How much time are you going to be spending shooting? How much is it worth to you?

You need to know how much time to anticipate with these models, sure its at one location, but you have outfit changes, posing, lighting, makeup(?) and all of those things. Then after all that time behind of the lens, what about the time behind your computer screen. Consider all of this carefully so that you have a rough estimate of just the time invested. This will give you a rough idea as whether to charge hourly or by session.

2nd What does the market call for?

In other terms, what are other photographers charging. This is BY NO MEANS a call to underbid a pro or competitor but find out what the market value of your skill is and apply that to your pricing. Think about your quality of work, experience, reputation etc. What are you worth?

3rd Cost of material

How much does it cost you to print, make dvds or host the photos? I think it's a good idea to have your name on the photos you leave with that client, it's FREE ADVERTISING!!!! IMHO I wouldn't charge for it. In my area, models pay anywhere from $50-$200+ for a simple headshot of one or two looks depending on the photog. What does your area fall into?

I hope this helps. Pricing is probably the hardest part of photography as a business. You don't want to overcharge and lose a job or undercharge and build a reputation of "bargain" photography. I understand this person is your friend, so you may not charge them what you would a stranger, but take pride in what you do and reassure ANY client that what they're paying for is quality and experience.

pattyhm73 · 06-06-2008, 09:29 AM

thanks Jerome for responding,
after reading i see some things i didnt see before, im balancing all these things, i have no xperience on that kind of photography, thats why i didnt charge her the first time, and yes its alot of time and work behind the computer, the pictures i took the light is harsh, now i know to buy a reflector, i know i need to fix alot of mistakes i did on the first shoot, thats why i posted those pic's for suggestions.

omg ive never thought this would be so hard lol

RochinPhotography · 06-07-2008, 07:43 PM

If it wasnt hard EVERYONE would be doing it

As for charging. I always figure what I would charge "anyone" then let the friend know what there price would bee "off the normal price".

Usually people dont realize how much they would pay if they hired a photographer and are shocked at the price.

Even for a friend needing a simple few pictures, my camera doesnt leave the bag for less then $50 bucks and usually starting at $150.00