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05/03/2006 01:17:21 AM · #1 |
I was eagerly waiting to share my first Bridal/Wedding photos. It just so happened they fell perfectly with the Challenges at that time though. I had to tame my excitement and glee that I even had the opportunity. I am looking for your wonderful constructive criticism, makes me think my shots through a little more...so thanks!!
My main question is for you portrait hobbyists trying to get a few bucks from your craft. Am I selling myself short? I did this wedding and bridal session pretty dirt cheap to help a friend ($150.00).
           
As a result of these photos, I have been requested to do another wedding through a referral from a co-worker who saw the Bridals. I intended to double my fees and feel I am keeping my prices low due to my lack of experience. They offered to pay me more...$100-200 more due to the size of their wedding party. Is the size of the wedding party really that significant? Of course 24 bridesmaids and 24 groomsmen is going to present a challenge if I can pull this off. It ends up the wedding will fall in my last trimester of pregnancy and I may have to turn it down anyway.
On top of the bridals, I have had the chance to do a few Senior Portraits and even my recent 'model shoot'. I was shooting Seniors fairly cheap, and I do realize that. I charged $50.00, just trying to establish myself. They paid me $100.00. My model also overpaid me. I don't want to charge so much that I come off as being arrogant as I see so many flaws when I look at my photos, but so many people praise my work and are quite eager to refer me to friends. Any thoughts and opinions are welcome!! I'm a tough cookie!
edit: opps..had another dpc photo in there, not my own!
Message edited by author 2006-05-03 01:23:25.
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05/03/2006 01:22:06 AM · #2 |
as for me, I have worked for over three years for a hourly pay that is even lower than an hourly pay at McDonalds. But the expirience I gained is millions worth. I see no problem with shooting a wedding (FOR A FRIEND!!!) for some dollars, you gain knowledge, you meet people, you have something to show to your further clients....just state sometime you have to start earning more with the work, be sure to be hard enough to ask NOT friens to pay more.
Anyways, the photos are marvelous. Good work...
cheers
Nasti
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05/03/2006 01:42:53 AM · #3 |
Find out what the market is in your area and charge something within 25% of that figure. Check out the book "Photographer's Market Guide to Growing Your Photography Business."
I think there was a thread about the business side this week or last. Check the forums or maybe someone else remembers it.
Edit to add: Nice work on the wedding photos BTW.
Message edited by author 2006-05-03 01:43:28. |
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05/03/2006 10:31:08 AM · #4 |
I posted this pretty late last night...just wanted to bump for more insight!! Thanks!
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05/03/2006 10:41:11 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by luv2photo:
... Of course 24 bridesmaids and 24 groomsmen is going to present a challenge if I can pull this off. ... |
Can you say WIDE ANGLE lens?! ;^) |
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05/03/2006 10:43:01 AM · #6 |
Those are realy good shots.
I guess you need to add up the time you were at the wedding taking photos, and also the amount of time post processing, printing, burning cd's etc. Subtract your costs (Paper, prints, cd's, batteries etc) then work out how much you are being paid for the hour.
Add to this that you have a whole lot of expensive gear & you can easily justify a higher price. |
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