What to charge, suggestions? - Digital Scrapbooking Community

nbennett38 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 03:58 PM

Hi folks - I have to say I was beyond excited to find this forum - you all seem so laid back and fun and are a wealth of knowledge regarding photography. and all I can say is WOW to some of the photos I've seen...a very talented group indeed.

A little bit about me: I have just started my own photography business - I have had a passion for it for years and years but never persued simply because, well, I didn't think I was good enough - I would see other's work and think, "what am I thinking, I can't compete with that" - pittiful attitude, I know.

Well, I started to realize when friends/family would want pictures, they would come to me and they would come back time and time again and refer others so that made me realize, I need to make this official - that and my husband saying, "you need to start charging for all your work." : ) hence, the new business Lisa Nicole Photography & Designs.

Since I'm new at actually charging folks, I could use a little advice. I've had people approach me just this week wanting me to photograph:

1. small wedding on a barge, the bride/groom/their kids/preacher - no reception - and the bride wants a few bridal shots - very small, informal

2. A reception only - couple married and lives in Australia but are coming to grooms home to visit and his parents are giving the newlyweds a TX reception
2-4pm, come and go, punch and cake, casual affair

I have no clue as to what to charge - I didn't really think past portraiture to tell you the truth - so if you have the time and don't mind responding, please take a look at my website lnphotographyanddesign.com - check out my prices (which I've been told are on the cheaper side) and give me your input. Something you should know is, I post process all my images - color pop/exposure (if needed) etc. which is how I found this forum, trying to discover a good workflow that would work for my needs...that's a whole other topic and I'm sure I'll come back and learn from you all later on that...but for now pricing is my priority.

I really do appreciate your help - again, I'm very glad to have found this group and look forward to sharing my passion, learnings, eperiences with others like myself!
Nic

nbennett38 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 04:05 PM

By the way, my post was written really fast as I am on the job (my other job, until my business grows : ) so I apologize for the misspelled words - I just re-read it and had to laugh at myself!

#3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 05:20 PM

Hi Nic!
Welcome to the DD Forum!
I don't have any real info to give you as I am not a pro, but I did want to stop and say hello! Good luck with your new business! That is so exciting!

I follow a local photographer that is here in Lubbock. Her site is www.laurenclarkphotography.com you can see what she shoots with & what she charges, etc. Lauren also offers personal sessions (I think she calls this brainwash) where you visit with her for a whole day for like $1200ish. Anyway, she and 3 other photographers put on week long classes for $3100ish too. Tons of cash, but worth it as they cover how to manage a business, charge what you are worth, do a website, photoshop, along with photography. I would love to go! Anyway, you can see more about that here: http://www.loveaffairworkshop.com/ I realize this is not info about what to charge, but I thought it was info you might want to know about, especially since you live in Texas!

Good luck with your new business. I look forward to reading what the other ladies here have to say!

nbennett38 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 05:26 PM

Joey, AWESOME info - I was just telling my husband the other day that I wish there was some sort of workshop or something along those lines I could go too to learn the trade - I really do appreciate it, I'll certainly check it out!