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mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/30/2008 03:25:10 PM · #1

Hi Friends,

I need your help! I have always just given away or sold my digital negatives to brides and clients in the past for them to print their own images; but, I just got a photocart, and want to start selling my own prints. I have NO clue what to charge!

I plan to use Millers and WHCC for my print-houses, as they both offer very reasonable rates for such high quality prints. I just want to factor in editing, hosting/proofing, and other costs in the price of my prints.

For those of you in major metropolitan areas (who are willing to share), what do you charge for Regular Prints and also Metallic Prints for the following (and more):

Wallets (8)
3x5
5x7
8x10
11x14
and so on...

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you,
Arie

geoffb

04/30/2008 03:40:55 PM · #2

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

Did you browse some web sites of other photographers in Glendale to see what they charge?

That will be more applicable than me giving my prices, or a photographer in Wisconsin, etc.

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/30/2008 03:53:54 PM · #3

Final Prints

4 Wallets 15.00
5 x 7 15.00
8 x 10 30.00
11 x 14 65.00
16 x 20 95.00

One way to drive sales is making event cards. They're also a great way to get your name out there. Some photographers I know who are more aggressive about their marketing will ask guests to sign up with their e mail at the event then send out newsletters. That way you aren't relying on them to make their way to your gallery, you put it right in their hands :0)

how are you liking photocart so far? I've been thinking about it...

edit to say $10 for a 4x6 (final, not proof)... I just don't list it but they can get it if they like :0)

Message edited by author 2008-04-30 15:55:01.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/30/2008 04:23:42 PM · #4

i LOVE photocart! It's the best software I've ever purchased for my business... well, Quicken is good too! Heehee I highly recommend photocart!

www.ariellehazephotography.com/photocart
Pass: bachreh417 to see my first cart. It's "Not For Sale" at this time though. I also decided against watermarking it, as these are friends of mine.

Anyhow, my local competition is hiding their prices from me. I have looked and looked. I feel bad calling, as I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not, nor do I want to bite of their prices as a fellow photog (competition). So, I am turning to you... my trusty friends! :)

geoffb

04/30/2008 04:50:18 PM · #5

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

Anyhow, my local competition is hiding their prices from me. I have looked and looked. I feel bad calling, as I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not, nor do I want to bite of their prices as a fellow photog (competition). So, I am turning to you... my trusty friends! :)

Hmmm. You're right. It looks like you've got a great market to capitalize on. Most of the sites I came across have no info and/or are terrible web sites.

Message edited by author 2008-04-30 16:50:32.

Prof_Fate

04/30/2008 06:04:48 PM · #6

Most folks on wedding websites buy the cheapest print they can - if it's 4x6 or 5x7 or even 8x10 it doesn't matter.
I sell online at the same price as in the studio, even though I'd like to sell online for less (or more in teh studio, depending on your perspective.) Problem is you'll get hassled if online is less than in teh studio, cause teh bride (or the mother) will look both places. So you can explain away that online is less quality or directly from the lab or some such fib, but they'll order online and that costs you more (most likely).

I have different prices for different things. Team sports are a lot cheaper than portraiture which is more than my christmas fund raisers or valentine day promotion. Alacarte prices are higher than if they buy a package (alacarte they may buy 1 print per file and 5 files, so you need to edit 5 files. A package limits the files/poses you have to edit, so an extra print or 2 is just the cost of the print and pushing the PRINT button).

I charge 12 for a 5x7, 24 for an 8x10 online and in a package. Alacarte is about 20% to 25% higher. I've played with online prices as low as $4 for a 4x6 and as much as $10 - no change in sales volume. If they're gonna buy, they're gonna pay what it costs.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/01/2008 01:45:02 PM · #7

Thanks everyone. I'm going to figure out how long it takes me to edit the album prints (40 to 100 photos), figure out the price of the largest print I'd probably sell (16x20 or something), then do some crazy math to make it all work out to my reasonable profit. I'll post back when I have my cart finished! Thanks again!

klkitchens

Pentax K-1

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

05/01/2008 01:59:09 PM · #8

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

I come up with cost for an 8x10 and go from there. My base cost is around $12 for an 8x10 (if a sitting fee has already been paid, etc. or were just shots I took on spec).

Two 5x7 print on an 8x10, so each 5x7 is $6.
4 wallets = 1 5x7, so 4 wallets = $6 as well.

For 11x14 and higher figure out what it's going to cost you and then make it a fair upcharge.

$12 may be a little low starting for your purposes, so adjust accordingly.

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