 anonymous |
OMG - I am so excited I just got approached by a fellow co-worker who wants me to give them a quote on wedding photography. They just want photos of the bride getting out of the car, ceremony, formals and about 1 hour at the reception. But get this: It is at the historic Rocks area in the city, so I can get amazing photos of the harbour bridge as well! I don't know where to start with the quote..... any ideas.....
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x |
How about $5,000?
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anonymous |
Good on ya......NOT! Obviously you don't know much about me and that I am only starting out, I wouldn't have the gall to charge that much, and people wouldn't pay it either! I am giving them 3 packages to choose from: Photo package Silver
80 6x4 All the prices above include unlimited photos taken on the day (oh the joys of digital) and my time. Any comments (serious ones please)?
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Debby A. Tabb |
Nat, If you email me I will send you a copy of my pricing - may help though . I don't know the price differenc between So.CAl.and AUS. But , I am sorry I belive you may be to low also. willing to help, Debby
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Christopher A. Vedros |
No offense Harry, but that's ridiculous. Natalie, I don't have a good feel for how much all those prints will cost in Aussie dollars. Are you sure you're: 2. Including a reasonable markup on the prints? 3. Charging a reasonable amount for your time, both at the wedding and processing images afterward? Even if you don't consider yourself a pro, if someone is willing to pay you, then you need to make sure they pay you enough. Do any wedding photographers in your area have their prices published, so you could have something to compare to? Congrats on the opportunity - this is a good move for you. Chris
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Joan Bellinger |
Natalie, is the proof CD of a quality where the couple could have their own prints made? If so, you will need to charge more as they will not be coming back to you for any of their reprints.
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Justin G. |
I read on another thread here on BP that you should charge (for the prints) roughly 4 times what it would cost to make them at the lab. Is this a good start?
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x |
Natalie, you asked a direct question to which I gave you a direct answer. Now that you display your plan, that's different. I'm still not sure how you will make a single dime with what you are charging, but I'd think about increasing a little, at least. Also, I'd make each package time specific. Like 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours. They are paying you for your time at the event. So, charge that way. Also, never charge for materials plus some mark-up. That's a huge mistake. If people want to buy paper, send them to the local paper shop. If they want art, they come to you. Jerry
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anonymous |
Oh, wow thanks everyone for the response, it is amazing!!! Ok, I will respond to each post, starting from the top: Harry: I am actually going to make well over $500 for each package. I have factored in what I charge for my prints, plus travel/petrol etc. Debby: Thanks for the offer, I was actually thinking I was charging to much LOL as I am "new at it". I'll email you soon.
Definitely covering my expenses on the prints. The prices I pay and what I charge are below: 33c for a 6x4 I charge $4 I included $500 straight away for my time, plus all the profits I make on the markups on the prints. But I have packaged them a little so the markups aren't as much (as I include some "free" prints), but as you can see, the free ones don't cost me much. I think I am being paid enough, if anything, I was thinking of knocking off $100 off each package. If I don't do it no one will, but I also don't want to overcharge, as I have only ever done one wedding. I know I can do it, but at the same time, I am still nervous, and no not to get "ahead of myself". Wedding photographers in my area do publish some prices, but package are around the $3000K mark with albums etc, I just don't have the knowhow to do all that etc, plus I really want to tap into the "lower end" to start off, but clients have to realise that they aren't going to get $3000K worth of work for $700. Joan: No, the cd will only be at 72dpi at about 2x3inch. Like what I recieved from my wedding photographer. Purely only for on screen viewing and emailing. Justin: Yep, mine is about that, some are more some are less. Like my 6x4's are like 1200% mark up or something silly, but at the end of the day it sounds worse than it is, cause they only cost 33c. Jerry: Far enough. I will definitely be making enough money, nothing to pay the morgage etc, but enough to help pay for my new studio lighting that I want. I will be at the wedding for about 4 hours (including travel). If it takes 1 hour more etc, I am not too fussed. Thank you everyone so much, for helping me out with this. I really appreciate your support and advice. Don't worry, I will be making money out of it, but just not 1000's. But you have to start someone, get your foot in the door, build up your confidence and then slowly become a competitor with similar prices to other wedding photographers. I was speaking to my tafe teacher last night about applying for the Cert IV course at tafe, it is the one under the Diploma, she said that I really don't need it. I was worried I wasn't good enough to get into it, she said there are students in this year's class now that don't have half the talent I have. So that helped my confidences. It is 2 nights a week for 3 years, so it is a big commitment. I think I will still do it, but it was nice to know a teacher can see I have the talent. But I have so much to learn, and know I am no were near what I would expect from myself. I get so nervous when I know I am about to do a wedding, but once I am there, adrenaline takes over and I thrive on it. I love it more than photographing kids!
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Debby A. Tabb |
NATALIE, PLEASE TAKE THIS AS THE HELP IN WITCH IT IS INTENDED:YOU SAID:"but clients have to realise that they aren't going to get $3000K worth of work for $700." I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT YOU NEED TO BEWARE OF THIS CONCEPT- IT IS NOT A FACT. ANY ONE HOW HAS HAD ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS WILL TELL YOU THIS-CUSTOMERS WANT SOMETHING FOR NOTHING-BUT EXPECT EVERY THING FOR THE SAME NOTHING!
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anonymous |
HI Deb Yep, it is my 3rd wedding, but second "paid wedding" as one of them was my brother-in-law and that was just a gift for them. I know exactly where you are coming from, lots of people what something for nothing! I know about people expecting more than what they are getting, but I will be putting it all in my contract that they understand that I am learning, that they understanding that although quality will not be compromised, that they can't expect 1000's worth of work for only $700. He was pretty good about it, when I met with him, they were very nonchalant about the whole thing, and as long as it is all in writing and I do my best and deliver work equal to the other weddings I have done, they won't have reasons to complain about. But I a know, they will always find something to whinge about. Yep, he has seen my work and loved it, so at least he knows my "style" and what I can do. He said he didn't want anything huge in relation to photos, just something simple. I really don't think they realise the importance of wonderful wedding photos, as they are very relaxed about it (which is probably good for me to have someone like that to deal with). I'll give him my packages and if he doesn't like them, then I won't do it. But if he does, I will make sure he understands everything. That is the best I can do. I really appreciate your advice. Nat
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Ruben L. Wade |
Hey Guys! While we are talking about our costs, I use the Costco and haven't found anyone worth more. their prices are as follows: wallets instore are .10 cents each wallets online are 4 for .69 cents 4x6 .17 cents 5x7 .69 cents 8x10 $1.99 11x14 $2.99 12x18 $2.99 16x20 $10.00 20x30 $10.00 I upload at home and then choose which store I want to pick them up at. please note: 16x20 and 20x30 are online only and are delivered to your door.
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anonymous |
Oh wow, that is cheap. I live in Australia though. I print at a Fiji Frontier Machine and I also find the quality amazing. The shop that has it, is getting more and more pros using it because it really is rivalling the pro labs.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Natalie, It sounds like you have a good handle on things. That's exactly the kind of cost breakdown I was talking about. That way, you know your expenses are covered, and you make enough profit so that it is worth your time. Plus you get to build up your portfolio. Good luck! Chris
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anonymous |
Thanks Chris, I suppose my prices just look so cheap because people are use to charging crazy prices but for those crazy prices, people are also getting a lot of post wedding work ie album creation etc. I won't be doing that, and if I am asked to, that will be a separate quote. I just really want the photos for my portfolio, imagine having a photo with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in your wedding portfolio when you have only done a few weddings - its a new comers dream! As you can see from my gallery, I just love our bridge, and to photography a bride and groom with it, will be an honour. Nat ps, although I think the restaurant is all GLASS!!! So that is going to be a challenge!
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Liza M. Franco |
For those of you noticing Ruben's post and the price, Costco does really nice work. I use one in VA and get beautiful prints. However, I tried one in South Florida and got terrible results. So it may depend on the lab and who is operating it. I have had so many photographers comment on the printing of the ones from Costco and they all want the name of the lab I used. These are people who have been spending 5 to 6 times what I've spent at Costco. The paper is Fuji Archival and is available in Lustre or Gloss. Every time I'm there I run into 3-4 different professional photographers waiting for their prints. Many of the well paid business are using Costco and still charging the going rate, talk about a mark up. I probably tend to be too low only because I'm trying to be fair about it. Just remember, try a small order first to make sure you like the quality.
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Ruben L. Wade |
This may just be my costco but you know how with film you can send your pictures back and have them redone if you didn't like the way they came out? Costco treats digital orders the same way the same way.
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Andrew Laverghetta |
Thanks really great to hear! How things are going. I'm in college now and about halfway through I'm hoping...I have had two friends of my girlfriend get married but it was all before this point. I know that I could have done better than these particular people did but I hadn't really shown much of it off yet. At least not to these people. Oh well though. Even though some people say, or a lot of people say, that it's a huge undertaking, I know that I would be ready when somebody might ask. I have some portraits and some other stuff that would work well in a wedding setting but they're not in my gallery. Maybe I'll put another website together somehow. Anyway, great to hear that you have stuff together and you're ready for it! I'm also excited about the Costco because there's one right by where I go to college. Hmmm, I could really use some more personal artwork for my wall...
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anonymous |
Sounds similar to the Fuji Frontier Machine that I use, it uses Fuji Archival paper as well.
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anonymous |
Ok, gave him the quotes, and he said they were a little on the "high side". Can you believe it!!! The nerve of some people, they want everything for free! I just wrote back and said "Good luck finding someone cheaper".
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Margie Hurwich |
Natalie, I'm out searching for pricing of photos...because OMG...a co-worker approached me on buying one of my photos! Nonetheless, they aren't portraits, just some of the photos in my gallery. I saw your prices and I'm assuming that is just the print, correct? Do you offer options to have the photo matted and/or framed? Thanks for any information. Margie
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Sandra Rouse |
Just curious to see if you have done any more weddings? I know this is an old post, but I wanted to add that although you don't PLAN to do any editing...looking at your gallery, you probably will. Perfectionist do that (grin). So you might want to add a little extra to your fee. Also, wanted to second the fact that Costco does professional work. I have had some amazing results.
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Robyn Gwilt |
Natalie :) I just read the thread, and laughed when I saw your last comment. Yes, it does seem that friends/family/colleagues take advantage - if you offer something, and expect a payment in return, they're mortified. I'm going to find a plastic surgeon friend, and ask him for a little something for nothing!!! I also did a colleagues daughters wedding, and they were really p'd off when I quoted them for printing - I'd offered to do the wedding for free as practice, but they wanted the whole hi-res cd with edited images so they could print!! Which brings me to say, irrespective of the budget - remember, if they print at a cheap crappy dealer, its YOUR name that go's down, and down the line, it could bite you. I insist on keeping the hi-res 'negs'/cd (also shoot digital) and if they want the prints, they can damn well pay. Remember as well, that as its digital, you WILL shoot more, just coz you can, and that means LOTS and LOTS of time spent editing. So theyr'e not just paying for you to be there on the day - it's the work that comes after. If you explain that to clients, it also helps. In the film days, you shot, handed in your film, and got the pix back (yeah yeah I know some of you hand printed!) but now the digital photogher IS the lab! And knowing your work, you WON"T let anything out thats not just great! So who did their wedding eventually :)
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anonymous |
Hi Robyn No idea who did it, we have over 3000 employee's here were I work, so I had never heard of him prior or after our meeting. I've done a lot more since then, and people are more than happy to spend $$$ if they are happy with the work! Thanks for your reply!
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