pricing question

[kathie02]

I have been getting calls lately to do some photography work. I am really only thinking at this point about seriously getting into this.

I don't ever print my photos, unless in a Shutterfly book. I don't want to get into the aspect of ordering prints for people. So far I have just been charging a sitting fee and then a charge for each image chosen from a disc of proofs I have supplied them (I do watermark my proofs).

I have no idea what to charge per image. Could some of you share what you charge your customers....for both sitting fees and digital images.

Thanks in advance!! K

[lima]

At my niece's wedding this past summer, the photographer charged for the shooting fee and then provided a CD with the images. The printing is left up to the customer.

[HeatherPrins]

That's the way i do it too. I charge a sitting fee and give them a CD

[Joey_M]

I would love to know more info too. I have 5 families asking me to do their family pics for Christmas. I am clueless as to what to charge. Local photographers (on the low end) are charging $150 for a sitting fee and giving their customers the disc to print themselves. I have a hard time having them print just anywhere as there is big difference between print shops.

[HeatherPrins]

I refer all my customers to our local London Drugs and tell them to be sure not to ask for color correction as i have edited the photos already. They must have all listened to me as they never have had a problem.

[Julie DeGuia]

You were asking about photography pricing. There is a website I used to go to where you can find lots of children's photographers...

International Registry of Children's Photographers

You can check out pricing by going to the registry and clicking on each photographer's link.

I have a friend who sells the session and gives a CD of all the images to the client so they can print on their own. That might be an easier way to go... but most photographers sell by the image.

[ccblue]

Kathie,
Looking at your layouts, I thought you were a professional photographer already! Sorry I can't help with your questions, but wanted to say Good Luck and I'd hire you any day.

[katrinak]

Kathie you can also consider using a site like smugmug.com or something similar to upload their galleries for viewing and then set individual prices for prints. they order directly from smugmug, smugmug sends you a check and it really takes you nicely out of the loop without looking like it.

[rsowers]

Originally Posted by Joey_M

I would love to know more info too. I have 5 families asking me to do their family pics for Christmas.

LUCKY families! Jealous.

[digigrandma]

I'm glad you're gathering information, Kathie, because you are so darn good at photography and you need to be rewarded for all the skills you've acquired, plus equipment you've purchased and your precious time!

[thyme4me]

I say, good for you Kathie! It's the first step that is the hardest. I agree with Katrina. I am currently selling football photos for my daughter's team she is cheering for. I am using smugmug and it's worked out well so far. You can set your own prices and not be the middle man. Look around at their site and see what other photographers prices are can be helpful. They offer two photo labs to work with and so far everyone has been happy. Smugmug also has a forum that can be helpful too. Good luck!

[kathie02]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Great link Julie and I am going to check out smugmug too.

[Melissa6169]

Kathie...you have such talent....go for it!
Hopefully you'll share your shots.

[lkvanderveen]

I have no answers for you but wanted to say that I just looked at your gallery and HOLY COW. What incredible photos and unbelievable layouts!!! I will be checking in often to see what's new in your gallery! Thanks for the inspiration!

[muddygirl]

Kathie here is an Australian example for you:

A shopping centre kids photo chain tooks some pictures of my son and when the proofs came back they wanted to charge me $70 AUS for an 8x10. There were lots and lots of people there paying these prices. Of course, I didnt, cause I knew I could take the same photo myself and get it printed at a professional Lab for $3.50 AUS.
When I do weddings for friends, I dont really charge for the work (although I should), but if they want prints, I usually charge about $20.00 for 8x10 (for example).

I think you need to look at the printer you would use, look at their pricing, factor in postage or work out if you are going to charge that to the customer on top, think about how long it takes to edit the pictures to the correct size and prepare them for going to the printer and then add on a profit margin for yourself that you are happy with. Remember it is your art and your expertise that people are paying for, so you are quite within your rights to have a decent mark up on it.

I would charge a sitting fee based on the time for the sitting and the time it take to edit the photos from that sitting, but remember that you can make good profit from the prints, so dont go overboard there.
Look at other photographers websites too, cause they often have pricing and package deals on their websites.

I realise I'm a bit late posting, and I might not be any help at all.

[Aino]

Kathie - good for you! You are an amazing photographer!

[ShaylaSharp]

Most of the photographers I know charge between $100-150 a setting--remember, you have costs and not just the time of the session but also post work and consultations. If you choose not to have them purchase prints through you, then I'd set up a Mpix Pro or Mpix account and put them on there for clients to order--just remember, when they can buy an 8x10 for $3, you may have difficulty with them thinking of you as more than a Walmart photographer, no matter how good your work is. (Not saying it won't work, but you will need to work extra on maintaining your professional image.) If you want to sell prints, decide what you will offer first and then at least multiply it by three or four (that gives you extra in case you need to have it reprinted).

Just my 2cents, for anyone wanting to go pro, have your policies clearly written out and in place prior to beginning and always explain them to the client--saves a lot of headaches later. Also, remember, not every client needs to be your client, so don't be afraid to turn down the obnoxious ones even as a beginner!

[digigrandma]

Good point, Shayla! You don't need 10 fussy, complaining clients who buy because they were only looking for a bargain.....you need one good customer that recognizes your talent and is willing to pay for it.