How to Price Your Digital Photography
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- froknowsphoto.c...
One of the top questions I get asked is "how do I charge" for my photography. We all need to be making some sort of money from our work. You can not go on for ever doing work for FREE or as a "portfolio builder". Sure the odd job here or there for charity is a great way to find new work and get your name out there. The mechanic gets paid to fix your car, the dentist gets paid to clean your teeth you need to get paid to take photos.
Now that we have an understanding that you have to make money to keep on keeping on lets figure out what you should charge. I like to go by my gut, I used to say "that sounds and feels right" and most of the time my pricing was spot on. That did not mean that the client wanted to pay that or was willing to pay that. You will face times where people want EVERYTHING but want to pay nothing and you have to decide if its worth doing or not. If you get stuck in the rut of always cutting breaks to people they will see you as the pushover who cuts them breaks. If someone is looking for a "student" to just take some pictures here or there you may not want to work with them because they will always be looking for someone who can do it cheaper.
Lets break down the process of figuring out what to charge. First what is your time worth, what do you make at your day job per hour? Does your hourly rate at a regular job seem reasonable to you or not? I use the example of a 5 hour total shoot. This would include travel, editing, your creative fee which is your skill to capture images as well as some sort of usage rights. To me for someone starting out to say it will be $225 for a session to photograph your family in the park that sounds reasonable. You will figure 2 hours of shooting, an hour of travel time, two hours of editing and than deliverable. When you break that down you are at $45 an hour. That money can go a long way to towards anything.
Always remember to over deliver, sweeten the pot any way you can without killing your bottom line. If spending a few bucks on 5 8x10's that you include in the package gets you the job than don't you think its worth it? You spend the $10 to make $240, you have to make the client want to work with you. If you are easy to work with, offer a great service and deliver quality work you will be on your way to making a nice living at doing something you love.
Take a listen to the audio below to get some more inside information. A lot of this information will be expounded upon in my upcoming courses and books.
froknowsphoto.c...
My name is Christina and I've always loved taking pictures. At one point I wanted to be a photographer but never had the confidents to move forward with it. This last Christmas I received a camera (Cannon Rebel t5i) and I started shooting everyone and everything. I have 2 children who became my test subjects lol I practice shooting them on "Manual Mode" of course. I know how you feel about that. After posting my work online, I have tones of people wanting me to shoot for their events. The reason I'm writing is because, your videos rock! I've learned so much from you. Every Time I had a question, you had a video with the answer. Saturday I have my first real photo shoot and I wasn't sure what my price should be. Thanks for the help!
So its been a year since then, how is it going so far? and how much did you end up charging from that?
Ninajay2011 that’s great. Good for you!
Everytime I tell someone (a client for example) that I also have to tweek the image afterwards they always say "ohh no you don't have to edit it, just give me the normal image that's okay" -_-
Say "I have to finalize it" instead of "tweak it".
oMkRnRTz thats like them saying oh dont try and make it the best it can be lol
oMkRnRTz Let them know that what ever photos you take leaves you business at your best work. Let them know that your reputation is on the line.
Ohhhh man, I fell into this one. There was a guy my girlfriend worked for as an SEO, that needed shots of models in his agency so she told him that I was a photographer. She sends him a link to my portfolio and without looking at it, wanted me to "Audition" by doing a shoot with one of the models. Begrudgingly (If there were a term more intense than this one, I'd use that), rather needing the money and the ability to shoot, on a regular basis, I finally agreed. Upon doing the shots, he wanted them immediately. I'm not saying within a couple days, I mean THAT day. Like within the hour of the shoot. I told him that I need to retouch them before sending them to him and there were quite a few. He actually wanted them without any retouching. I refused.
Having pointed at photos of other models as examples before the shoot, he wanted them "like that." So to drive a point, I gave him a thumb drive with the retouched images and the base ones to be like "See, this is the difference that retouching makes and I don't want incomplete photos of mine out in the world because that reflects on me as a photographer." I found out from my girlfriend that he actually sent the unfinished ones up the chain of his business, to the people above him. Talk about seething. So I confronted him about it. He then goes on to show me the photos of other models and what he wanted, "Not that artsy bullshit you gave me" and I shit you not, like I pointed out to him, that every single photo he showed me was retouched. I even pointed out to him how and where. Not that he believed me. This is when I found out he never even looked at my portfolio.
Then, he needs shots for another model done and reaches out to me for it. Assuming that I never got the "We just don't think you're a good fit" call and he's reaching out to me for more work, I took that as a sign that even though he shit on my work, I passed his audition. Naturally, I asked him that if he's getting the photos... on account of us not working out a scale of payment, "I'm getting paid for these, right?" In the most diplomatic way possible, to open up the dialog in which we could negotiate such a thing. Talk about backfiring. The guy loses his shit. As far as understatements go. I mean, I was coming out of pocket on a few things for the shoot because he wanted this that and the other, I think asking if I was being compensated was a pretty reasonable question. Pretty much it boils down to him wanting me to do shoots for him for free but under the guise of still "auditioning" until I got tired of his BS and just stopped altogether... whether it's two shoots or five, he would have gotten them for nothing. Then try and rope some other sap into doing it. Rinse and repeat. Having already put the wheels in motion for the shoot, I went ahead and did it, but on a TFP basis for the model. I didn't give him any of the shots though.
Weddings $70/hr labor is my gut. Edits are my own problem, i don't charge for lightroom time. I show up with tons of "Sample" prints and albums that they eventually buy.
I'm telling you, photography is money in the bank. Thank god I became a photographer.
Live in New Mexico.. It isn't. People here want to tell what they want pay you.. Say $300.00 for an all day wedding. Hahahahahah!!! Complete and udder BS.
I used to watch the snorks when i was little too, this show may turn out to be something that reunites photographers around the world
@Sacharczuk21 I am working on it right now, going to upload every video and such to pod cast
OMG, I loved you already. Then you go and talk about the Snorks!! Just fell in love with you all over again! Thank you!
Factoring in all the costs really got me thinking how tough it is to make a lot of money doing small jobs. Like, the price of gear, and transportation, factored in with the fact that you might not always have a constant flow of people hiring you really shows how tough it can be.
Thank you. You've confirmed much of what I've thought about pricing. Normally I get looks as if I'm mad when I talk about pricing photography with friends. They just don't get just how much time is involved, and how that time is money. Money which they should be charging for/allowing for - Photography business or otherwise. No wonder those friends who are self employed are always skint.
There's so much to allow for when deciding on a pricing structure. So many little things to think of.
some good info in here. I am new to photography (less than 1 year) and it is only a hobby at this point. However, as time goes on I am thinking more and more that this would be an awesome profession. It is really nice to have pros like you who are willing to pass along thier knowledge to less experienced people like me. Thanks.
If you want a prime lens, the 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 and 17-55 2.8. That zoom is my favorite lens
thanks.
wow your tips just keep getting better and better with my photography career!
Kick ass advice Jared. this will help a bunch of new photographers get started.
Another great video, I have a small gig for my company for our Christmas party, Im getting compensated for a full day of work just for 2 days. I get paid decent, but i never really thought about all the editing time as well as travel expenses.
-currently: just amateur photographer building on the passion.
-setup d5k
kit lens 18-55mm
55-200mm
Pod Casts are good but you should add pictures of your wonderful work Jared your the man!!
what u said is exactly what I thought of to price my work. people feel that $100 is a lot.
What if you do wildlife, landscape, scenery, or real estate?
I recommend you charge per image and follow up what Jared says
I agree
Excellent video Jared. I still have no idea how much my creative fee should be and if I should charge it separately or include it in the overall pricing or "package". Ugh I swear this is the hardest part in running a business.
lol I LOVED the Snorks! :D
@lulatubeyou nope, these days not anymore.
Great advise if you live in a state that has money. Here in New Mexico, the people here believe in the "Friend hookup Fee". So, if your asking $1,500.00 which is very affordable. You'll never get work. I pitched this price to all day wedding shoot and they went with someone else. "Free" doesn't pay the bills. So frustrating.
yea de snorkels in dutch !!! rules !
i watched it when i was young hehe
@Gibson2471 thanks guys
Loved the Snorks!!
Thanks for the advice!!! I really appreciate your time
It's called a watermark, I'd to a simple Google search but Lightroom has built in Export options
Very useful, have you done another one about usage on images..? I cant seem to find one if u have.
Good Price Point, chargeing for your Time - Talent - Cost Per Print - ( with a 500% percent mark Up on each Prints ).......with enhancement costing the customer extra for that custom print..i did a model Portfolio....by the time i did the enhancement her photo bill when from $400.00 to $800.-- for a 3 hour shoot.
SNORKS WERE AWESOME!
you should make podcasts that would be rad!
awsome info bro thanks a lot. as an aspiring professional i appreceate any and all help i can get.
thanks for this excellent vid! some really good advices here.. thanks :)
@JaredPolin Just audio is okay, but personally i feel that it doesnt keep the audiences full attention because they dont have anything to look at aside from the same image which can lead to space outs or click off's just my opinion tho.
thanks fro. this was helpful.
I have a canon t4i and I just wanted to know what would be a great lens to use for a great professional look.
I have a question for you. The one thing I don't seem to be able to find is info on is,
how the business actual works. Not the money but the keeping up with projects etc.
not sure what to look up for this.
M Gibbs If you find this out, please refer me to your source. Thank you!
+Tee Collie check out this free software for business. studiocloud.com/photographers.html
Thanks a bunch
This is so funny to me. If you transcript the video, where he says "Jared Polin, Fro Knows Photo.com" the transcription says "jerod poland throw knows boat show dot com"
LOLOL
sounds like Seth Rogan
Whats th isdn number for the book your advertising guid to capturing motion at concerts version 1...Live in Aussie land so might have to check a bookshop to see if they have it...Loved this one..might also get the next book your working on..
I don't agree with this lesson AT ALL. $45/hr for photography is NOT good. You don't mention anything about taxes. Most retouching (if you know what you're doing and are delivery great images) don't take an hour. This sounds like pricing for a beginning who doesn't understand that you really can't sustain a business with these prices. You need to think of your cost of doing business before you start throwing out random numbers.
Maybe it's just me, but I thought it was pretty clear that the advice and numbers he gave were totally HYPOTHETICAL and SUGGESTIVE (as is ALL advice given in tutorials... NONE OF IT is meant to be taken LITERALLY, it's meant to help ppl figure out what would work best for them, whether they're beginners or otherwise). I think sometimes you ppl be so anxious to jump on his post to point out all the things he's saying & doing wrong that you completely miss the fact that he's not telling anyone what they HAVE TO DO... he's just laying out ideas of what they COULD DO (IF THEY WANT TO). #Jezzz!
Hi does anyone know how much should l charge? and also how many photos should l give a client I don't want to "over charge" since 1. I am in high school 2. The people that want me to shoot them are also in high school 3. l been doing photography as a hobby for 4 years but l want to make it some what as a career
So the $225, would that have been the total price? Or what is that for?
you have the best sounding intro....fyi
Jared, How would you charge for team photos. Baseball teams etc. Do you charge the coach one price for doing the shoot? Do you look at how many people are on the team to determine the price, especially if you are going to do individual and team photos? I can't find 1 video that address sport team pic pricing, thanks partner.
+Carl Bradley hey ,if anyone else wants to learn about how to make money uploading photos try Niposcu Photo Cash Adviser ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my co-worker got excellent results with it.
@Xquisitesoul I'm thinking 50mm 1.8
How many different images should be included when doing prints or a cd? If i shoot for 2 hours and get about 30 pictures and 20 come out good do i i let them choose wich ones? Or
There is no consideration given to cost of doing business here. Only TIME. It costs me to own my camera gear and computers and programs and... Where do you figure that in here?
@1rhett1 Sweet im not alone, what would be like the next lens to get?
how do you put a tag in the bottm l;eft of your pictures so ppl knw its yours?
Zup Jared!! caN i ask you for an advice?.Quite confuse on which of the two should i buy..A D3000 or a D3100..
Is there an app for pricing photos or features like time travel etc.
hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to learn about
how to make money with your camera
try *Enlarbo Camera Profits Wizard* (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my friend got cool success with it.
I would price time travel pretty high. If you're offering it as a service I think you should put down the camera.
Hi jared, Thanks for the great videos! I learned a lot!
May i ask of how to declined nicely when someone is borrowing your dslr for free? Family, friends.. Etc. Thanks!
Weng Chu Con Offer to take the pictures for them yourself. Its good practice and exposure for you.
and here were are with RAW Talk :)
where do you print from? even larger sizes
4:37
Looked around for what alarm was going off :/
Anyone use Zenfolio.com? I did a trial and they have a price list you can use to sell prints. Sell your products from partner labs. Is this a good idea or not?
@crysisguy05 if your really good and can prove it.
@Xquisitesoul We got the same setup! ... Cheers!!
freelance? is it more of a custom for 'freelance photographers', just starting out to put pricing their services slightly lower than the standard pros...? Until that freelancer has gained enough 'real world' experience should he/she increase rates with the pace of their talent. maybe this is kinda crazy....? need help.
how about an hourly rate for an event photographer where you might not use photoshop.
+Silvermanshehadi I have hired plenty...I usually paid 150-300 for 4 hours depending on the photogs skill level. Event Photographers are used for documentation for business so dont expect a big payday
@crysisguy05 It's really hard if you aren't even old enough for contract
Snorks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
@1rhett1 yeah probably right =)
The fuck!? 45$ an hour? Bwah, in my country, I make around 6$ an hour (and the minimal wage goes around 3$). Ouuuch, gotta sell some pictures then :D.
I'm charging $450.00
I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else wants to uncover how to get paid website for uploading photos try Loctavan Camera Cash Strategy (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my m8 got great results with it.
Loctavan Camera Cash Strategy is a scam
Scam
Lol i dont like the audio only....
this makes me laugh :)))
Check your title spelling :)
Do you think that a 16 years old kid can make £1,200 a month out of Photography ?
Haaaaaa $225. Who even gets out of bed for that
+Vaughn Felix >>interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover earn money how to do everything with your digital camera try Loctavan Camera Cash Strategy (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my neighbor got great results with it.
+Mike Upton Photography Well he didn't account for all the in between, for instance, frog wry of products, advertisement, uploading new work, I mean, there's a million things between shoot and getting paid. So that figure you proposed is highly unattainable in the real world. Or else every photographer would be making at least 93k 😝
+Mike Upton Photography For a hobbyist- Shoot and burn, it's pretty good. But $225 is more of a favor to a friend, in my opinion
+Mike Upton Photography For a hobbyist- Shoot and burn, it's pretty good. But $225 is more of a favor to a friend, in my opinion
wow this was terrible