How do you charge for shoots?

[Ran_photography]

Do you have a base price for the shoot first, and then what do you do from there? Do you let the client choose which pictures they want and then have a set price for your shots based on what size they want? I really need to know what to charge, because i don't want to be ridiculous about it.

[Mark1]

Your not going to get a straight answer. Mainly because it depends on way to many things. What is the subject? How hard was it to make the shot? Did you have to buy/build/rent anything to make the shot? Do you have the portfolio to charge a lot? Are you brand new and just need the job? What is the customer going to do with the image? etc...etc...

I make several charges to come up with a final. It is different with each subject.

[PhotosGuy]

Because you have a descriptive title, you can look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page!
Each link you visit should provide more links at the bottom.

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[tcphotodesign]

Do you have a base price for the shoot first, and then what do you do from there? Do you let the client choose which pictures they want and then have a set price for your shots based on what size they want? I really need to know what to charge, because i don't want to be ridiculous about it.
Oh my dear Ran...you sound like I did 10 years ago.
Your question is a typical one, first as an established photog and I hope others who are would take the time to post more responses, 70 views and one response, com'on...
There are several factors to consider, first...do not under charge, (under cutting is bad in general just for the sake of charging less) as this effects the photographers in your area and ultimatley your own business. Like anything it depends on the precieved value of what you offer. If you are offering at less than 1 year of expereince in wedding photography for example, considering 2-3 weddings a month during the busy season, for one year and you are good with technical aspects, you have developed a "style" of your own to some extent, you don't have huge overhead, understanding the average cost of a wedding in your area, covering engagment photos, wedding, and reception, you could charge up to $2,500. and that would be a very reasonable amount for all of that, plus what you charge for additional images, custom prints and more.

It really varies, how much to charge a family member for family portraits? The sitting fee for studio rentals, light or lens rental fees, printing and post processing, This is what I have learned and there is an actual formula for this in business photography books and on web sites.
I won't go into all that here though, lack of time and tired fingers.
You know where your at in your abilities, right? Look at comps from other photograpehrs web sites, quality and services, expereince, and price your work within 5%-10% below, at or near your competitors prices. What you really have to figure out is, Are you printing the photos or giving them on a CD? Are you renting any equipment to do this, lens, lighting, camera, reflectors, backdrops. Do you have to pay for parking or permits? Do you offer post processing on final images? Do you have to pay for a web site, or any advertising, a phone bill, gas for your car, insurance for your equipment, what is your time worth given your experience? Do you need this work for your folio? Will this shoot add any value to your photos you currently show to get more work?

A lot, yeah!?!

[itshopeless]

you may also want to consider makeup artist fees, if you will incur any. some models/agencies will bring in their own makeup artist (with your approval, of course) but if you are hiring one on your own, you should take that into consideration when deciding what to charge for a shoot. same goes for wardrobe and hair stylists.