First time Senior Portrait Charge

[mhazlett]

Hi, I am a Freshman Photography student, and was recently approached to do a senior portrait. I was curious about how much I should be charging. I have always done these type of things for free, in return for rights to use in my portfolio. My client says that she will not except them for free, she wants to help me get real world experience for my future profession. I am curious what others charge for senior portraits, such as an hourly wage. I am going to only charge a small fraction of what others charge because I am new. But it would really help to get a ball park number. Thank you in advance.

[LOKPhotography]

I was in your boat not to long ago. What i would do is charge what you think you are worth. Are you planning on taking care of the printing for the client? Or are you just going to give her the disc with a little PP?
Obviously you don't seem to want the money. i would do a flat 100$ for 1-2 hours. Unlimited wardrobe changes and all the images on a disc. you should have maybe an hour of PP to pu the students name and graduation year on say the 10 best poses. Quick adjustments in RAW and you are set. maybe invest 3-4 hours in the whole job.

[smmokan]

I think the average (that I've seen anyways) is around $250-300 for those who do this regularly, and that's for a fairly limited selection of outfits and locations. I'd say LOK is right on, $100 or so seems fair considering your time invested shooting and PP'ing. If they're happy, tell them to refer you to some friends.

[LOKPhotography]

If they're happy, tell them to refer you to some friends.

nothing better than that right there. referrals are worth more than any amount paid. ok not any amount but they are always good.