Christmas Portraits - What to charge?

[EVANDIXONdotCOM]

I have had 3 or 4 families ask me to do family/family&pet portraits to be used in Christmas cards this season. I am raising money for my trip to Nicaragua as a missionary, so most people are asking as a way to help me. I am no pro, but I am a pretty confident ametuer.

The first shoot I did the family didn't ask a price, and just gave me a check. It was for 50 bucks. I had atleast 4 hrs in shooting and post-processing, and they wanted a CD of the images so they could get their own prints. I was disappointed, but couldn't really say anything because I hadn't set any sort of price beforehand. They are friends as well, so I can think of it as a way to bless them with some good photos on the cheap. - Here's that shoot: http://epdixon.smugmug.com/Family/Carrigan-Farms-Shoot-November/

Anyway, 2 or 3 more families want to do shoots, this time with their dogs (they don't have Kids). This time I will have to find a location (don't have a studio) and I will have to deal with the hassle of animals.

My question is, what is a reasonable rate for a 1-2 hr shoot like this? The families are asking me what I would charge, and I am unsure.

I charge $45/hr for computer repair work for friends/church/etc and up to $90 for strangers, depending on the work. The performance mechanic shop I managed charged $90/hr. Those are the only rates I am familiar with for professional work.

I also can tell them they have to buy prints from my SmugMug account, or pay extra to get a CD.

Thoughts?

You guys are always so helpful, thanks in advance.

[tim]

I charge $200 for a session and include two small prints. Extra 6x4 prints are $50 each, 8x12s are like $150, etc. I don't do many portraits though, but they're ballpark of what professionals here charge.

I'd suggest you give them a package price for shooting, editing, and a set number of prints - perhaps a package of some 6x4s and a couple of 8x12s. Charge $50/print after that.

[spikeystitch]

I charge roughly $150 for 90 minute portrait sessions (family, single, couples) with 5-7 images edited and then the photos on a disc. I can't really be bothered with dealing with prints as I have a fulltime job and photography is a side job at this time.

[tim]

I charge roughly $150 for 90 minute portrait sessions (family, single, couples) with 5-7 images edited and then the photos on a disc. I can't really be bothered with dealing with prints as I have a fulltime job and photography is a side job at this time.

Shame, the average print sale for one photographer I know is $2000.

[spikeystitch]

Shame, the average print sale for one photographer I know is $2000.

Sadly the market I'm working in right now doesn't have those deep-pockets. I live in the largest Oil & Gas producing province in North America and the recession has hit this area extremely hard. Highest unemployment rate in 20 odd years and people are losing their jobs all over the place. If I hit a market where I could make $2000 in print sales I'd be quitting my day job in a second and making time to produce prints. ;)

[Karl Johnston]

Charge 100$ an hour here but I'm new to the game and budget as hell. :lol: Session comes with a free web CD and a DVD slideshow of the retouched images.
I typically bring back about 2-400$ in print sales, if the session went well..3/4 of the time it usually does.
Typically takes about 3 hours of work, on average. I know I'm too low but I'm not good enough and in the right market to upscale..yet.

I'm re-analyzing my business plan for portraits. I was only geared up to do fine art and editorial commercial until I realized I needed a bit more of a backend to help with the frontend, if you know what I mean.

[aroundlsu]

I have recently been charging $350 for location family portraits. That includes prep time and travel, an hour of shooting, and post processing. Images go on my website for purchase. Prints are $20 for 8x10 or a digital download, $40 for 20 5x7 greeting cards with envelopes, $9 for a 4x6, and $12 for a 5x7.

I have done several now this month. No one has complained about the price. My upfront fee seems to be more than other locals charge but my print prices seem to be much cheaper. I also bring an assistant, lighting, and reflectors on location. I haven't seen any of the locals bring anything more than an on camera flash.

[Karl Johnston]

Teddy; I've just started doing that myself and am getting a good response. Two shoots booked for beginning of november were done like that.