Brand Spankin New!

[shaiangelz]

Hey guys! I got on this site because a friend recommended me here! Here I am!
So.. I'd like some advice!!

A lot of people are asking me to take pictures for them and they want to pay for them.

What would I charge? Lets say they're just portrait pictures at a marina or beach or something.

And if they wanted me to print them out for them.. Should I go to a professional printing place? Do I work out contracts with them? How would I go about printing??

Please and Thank you!

[tim]

What do you think your time is worth? I know portrait photographers that charge between nothing and $500 for a 1-2 hour session. You can sell a 6x4 print for anything from $5 (WAY too low but some do it) to $100 or even more. In my area the average price for a 6x4" print from a portrait sitting is US$40 or so, an 8x12 is $120 or so, up to big canvas prints which sell somewhere from $500 to $1000.

Yes, you need a contract with a model release so you can use the images for advertising. Yes, you should go to a professional printing place. You should offer framed prints, or even just prints mounted on card ready to be framed - pro labs do this. Use the labs full service option, at least until you know what you're doing.

Hope that helps :)

[PhotosGuy]

Photography Rates (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=324925)

Sticky: How much Do I Charge? One of the most often asked questions (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=137162)

[jermscentral]

I'd agree with Tim; you have to determine how much your time is worth. Do you plan on pursuing this as a career or a side gig, or is this just a once or twice a year kind of thing? I usually charge a little less for friends and family than I do people that e-mail us asking for photo sessions, but we still make it worth the time and effort. This may just be a mental thing, but a lot of times you are more "in the zone" for taking professional photos when you have compensation. Determine what you think your hour (or two) is worth for a session, and figure out if you're going to include any prints in that price.

We've been in it for about a year, and our current portrait sessions start at $75 an hour, which does not include any prints. Our prices are much lower than most in our area, but we primarily do that as respect to other photographers in Nashville -- giving the "you get what you pay for" mentality. That rate is higher than it was when we started last year, and it will continue to go up as we get more experience. Then you need to determine your print pricing, as Tim also talked about. Rates vary by area and by photographer, though some photographers will not avail you to their print price lists until you've booked... not a "nice" business move, IMHO, since I'm all for knowing everything I plan on paying for up front instead of getting a surprise later.

Definitely go with a professional printer. Wolf/Ritz may be convenient, but as far as quality and service, you're best to get an account with a professional developer. A lot of them require your business information to prove you are a legitimate business, as their print price lists are typically a trade secret of sorts. Base your print markup on their pricing. Don't expect to pay $0.20 a print for a 4x6 from a pro lab. :)

[shaiangelz]

thank you guys so much :D

also.. should i get a business license if i do this??

[PhotosGuy]

should i get a business license if i do this?? Depends on your local laws.

[jermscentral]

also.. should i get a business license if i do this??

How much money do you anticipate making this year? If you make over a certain dollar amount, you'll have to report it on your taxes. If you have any friends or family that are accountants, you may want to ask their opinion on the matter, as your area may require one to conduct business and for tax purposes.

[shaiangelz]

thank you!!! will do!