Christmas Portraits - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

11/20/2005 10:41:12 PM · #1

I have been asked by at least 5 families now if I would be interested in taking their portraits for some Christmas cards. A few have wanted photos that they can print large enough to hand on top of the fireplace.

They had seen some of my previous Christmas cards that I took for my family and my sisters and they wanted it the same way too. I usually take outdoor shots and some are even candid.

My problem is how much to charge? I know some folks have experience in this and I was hoping that someone could shed some light into this problem of mine.

Thanks.

Rikki

ShorterThanJesus

Nikon D300

11/20/2005 11:03:11 PM · #2

You could always just ask to be paid like a musician... food, beer, and the unspoken "I owe ya one" card which can come in handy later.

But a quick glance through your portfolio makes it pretty clear that you ought to ask for a bit more than that, considering the quality they'll be getting.

Message edited by author 2005-11-20 23:19:04.

Jutilda

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Canon

11/20/2005 11:32:33 PM · #3

Some people charge a sitting fee of $100 or more, and then you just charge for the prints. Make a proof sheet and let them choose what they want, then you get the prints wholesale and jack up the price. People are in such need of good photographers that I say go for it.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

11/21/2005 12:33:57 AM · #4

Thanks guys.

Now for the obvious question. They might say, can we just have the file so we can just go to Costco and have them print out some christmas cards? What then?

conglett

Nikon D70

11/21/2005 01:01:00 AM · #5

Is this a favor or a business? It will define how you charge.

You can offer two cost structures: one for prints you provide and one for the digital originals.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/21/2005 01:04:10 AM · #6

This is business. I was approached by all of them either through my sisters or from someone forwarding some of my portrait shots.

So how would each cost structure look like?

Sonifo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

11/21/2005 01:13:53 AM · #7

I wouldn't charge 100 of you are just starting out. Make your price low so they will come back. And if you take good pictures, they will be back and be willing to pay a higher price.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

11/21/2005 01:15:27 AM · #8

$50 you think Soni?

Prof_Fate

11/21/2005 01:22:31 AM · #9

I have started with $40 an hour, but that is usually with a 2 hour minimum, and prints are extra (5x7 $5, 8x10 $14) And I go to them or we meet at a park, etc. I can provide 15-20 proofs for an hour's shooting.

Once i get established, I want to raise that to $65 for the first hour, and $45 for each additional. But then I live in a rural area where the average person is not well paid.

A girl at work wants engagement and 'family' shots at the park of her, hubby to be and their dog. I told her $75 or so, with a couple of 8x10s, 5x7s and some wallets (she wants wallets).

I figure low prices gets me work, work well done gets me referrals...cheap advertising. Besides, my 'real' job pays $3/ hour and tips...and photography is soo much more fun!

fotomann_forever

11/21/2005 01:35:08 AM · #10

About the files for reprints... I use Dotphoto.com for that purpose. You can set prices for your prints and for file downloads. My "Right to reprint" structure on file downloads is $50 per file.

conglett

Nikon D70

11/21/2005 08:29:55 AM · #11

These sessions would make a good beginning for a portfolio, so would be worth a reduced price. How about it:

$40-$50/hr and one of the following:
-Option 1: Buy prints at cost plus markup (10-50%?)
-Option 2: Digital originals provided at $50/ea

As Christmas portraits they will likely only need one shot to reprint on the mailer. You'll probably clear $60-110 with option 1 and $100-150 with option 2. And you'll have references for future work.

Sonifo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

11/28/2005 02:22:16 AM · #12

this is what I charge

//www.sonifopictures.com/prices.html