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Photography Question 

Amanda R. Milam 		 

Charging for photography


 
 
I have taken photos for a few of my friends at work and now they have friends and family that want me to take photos for them. What do ameateur photographers charge? I don't want to do it for free, because it's my time and equipment that I'll be using. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about putting all the pictures that I take on a CD, letting them have it and take it where they want and have it printed. I'm going to include some examples of the work that I have done for you to look at.


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October 19, 2007

 

Debby A. Tabb 		  Amanda,
When it comes to word of mouth clients, reasonable matters.
They have discussed you & your work, so what you have charged before($0.00) and your experiance has most likly become a part of the conversation as well.
So if you start off to high, your libiale to loose those who have inquired already.
I always suggest that you call a few studios in your area and price check.
and see just what they offer and for how much.
Now , consider how flexable you'd like to be , what you can offer and
then based on all that you should have a good idea for your area.
Pricing is one of the hardest things to come up with, your not alone .
There are those discussions in the "Studio Photography threads" 1-23.
Here is part one:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534

I hope this helps,
Debby


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October 19, 2007

 

W. 		 
Hi Amanda,

"What do ameateur photographers charge?"

If they're really amateurs, they don't charge for their (personal) efforts. They CAN charge for incurred cost, however (and would be wise to do so), like for the gear, and possibly for CDs/DVDs, and all other materials used and associated costs. Since it is not always easy to figure that out precisely, I advise a small arbitrary amount, like 25 or 50 bucks.
Your 'principals' need to understand you have a lot of time and money invested in this, and that, if they want to make use of that, they should be prepared to carry at least a token part of the cost. They can't very well expect you to 'bleed' for their fun, now can they?

Have fun!


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October 19, 2007

 

Oliver Anderson 		  Hey Amanda...when I first started shooting photos I paid for all my equipment and media (CD's, DVDs, batteries and sometimes the photos...DUMB) but I'm a sucker for an attractive woman. At least make them pay for the gas, time, CD/DVD's etc. I'm fortunate to work with Makeup Artist's that work for photos but they still charge a small "Kit Fee" of $30-50. Make sure you charge them at least $25 to cover the incidentals. their other alternative for those kid photos is going to those Mall Photo places and I always thought they kinda sucked...with you if they're not happy you can redo them till theyre satified. Then they'll refer you to all sorts of other friends.


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October 19, 2007

 

Amanda R. Milam 		  Thanks for the suggestions! I was thinking about $50 so I think that's what I'll do. Thanks again.


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October 20, 2007

 
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