Family shoot, How much should I ask

FSRobT · 2 Weeks Ago

I live in Canada, so feel free to post USD or CDN and I'll do the conversion if it's US.

A coworker just went on Maternity leave and has contacted me about taking pictures of the newborn as well as some family pictures for Christmas.

I have not done portrait shooting like this before, most of my stuff is wildlife and scenery and I'm unsure how much I should charge. I know they can't afford a lot, but she understands the value of time and is willing to pay as long as it's not too much. I don't want to undervalue my work, but I am willing to offer a discount for a friend.

She lives about 30 minutes out of town, so there is some driving involved.

I am ready to have a release on hand as well.

footballdude2k3 · 2 Weeks Ago

How long would the shooting be? I would say around 75-100 US if you dont have much experience because you have to pay for travel and time, but dont be afraid if you think you are a good photog to go up to $150 US. My gf and I charge $150 for an hour of pics. Just think about what she would be willing to pay and what you think your time is worth, remember that the money covers PP and taking the pics. Good luck to you and I hope it goes well!

Frugal · 2 Weeks Ago

+1 for charging based on what you feel your experience level is rather than you're a co-worker.

Fenster · 2 Weeks Ago

$130-150 USD is a good starting mark.

aroundlsu · 1 Week Ago

I just did a basic family shoot and charged $350 for about an hour of shooting in their home. That included one free 8x10. That was Saturday. Today they already ordered another $130 in prints from my gallery and I expect more to be ordered.

Protip: Take as many different sets of photos as you can. Example: kids alone, together, everyone as a group, etc. More you take now, the more you sell later.

You can see the family shoot set on my gallery home page gallery.teddysmithstudio.com.

2 Weeks Ago	#1
FSRobT Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 44 IMAGE EDITING OK	Family shoot, How much should I ask I live in Canada, so feel free to post USD or CDN and I'll do the conversion if it's US. A coworker just went on Maternity leave and has contacted me about taking pictures of the newborn as well as some family pictures for Christmas. I have not done portrait shooting like this before, most of my stuff is wildlife and scenery and I'm unsure how much I should charge. I know they can't afford a lot, but she understands the value of time and is willing to pay as long as it's not too much. I don't want to undervalue my work, but I am willing to offer a discount for a friend. She lives about 30 minutes out of town, so there is some driving involved. I am ready to have a release on hand as well. __________________ Rob Canon Rebel XS, 18-55 IS, 55-250 IS, 50 f1.8, Speedlite 430EX II, BG-5 Grip

2 Weeks Ago	#2
footballdude2k3 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sheboygan, WI Posts: 551	Re: Family shoot, How much should I ask How long would the shooting be? I would say around 75-100 US if you dont have much experience because you have to pay for travel and time, but dont be afraid if you think you are a good photog to go up to $150 US. My gf and I charge $150 for an hour of pics. Just think about what she would be willing to pay and what you think your time is worth, remember that the money covers PP and taking the pics. Good luck to you and I hope it goes well! __________________ Cameras: Rebel XTI, 20D, 50D Lenses: [18-55] [70-300] [35-80] [28-135] *Wish List: 24-105 f4L, 70-200 f2.8L, 100 Macro, some sort of fisheye, nifty fifty, tamron 28-75 f2.8, canon 17-55 f2.8....*

2 Weeks Ago	#3
Frugal Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northern CA Posts: 98 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Family shoot, How much should I ask +1 for charging based on what you feel your experience level is rather than you're a co-worker. __________________ 40D \| XS/Grip \| EF-S 18-55mm IS \| EF 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 \| EF 50mm f1.8 \| EF 85mm f1.8 \| EF-S 55-250mm IS \| 430EX \| 285HV \| Bogen tripods, light stands, umbrellas soft box blah blah

2 Weeks Ago	#4
Fenster Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Purgatory Posts: 338 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Family shoot, How much should I ask $130-150 USD is a good starting mark. __________________ (New) World Photography

1 Week Ago	#5
aroundlsu Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 607	Re: Family shoot, How much should I ask I just did a basic family shoot and charged $350 for about an hour of shooting in their home. That included one free 8x10. That was Saturday. Today they already ordered another $130 in prints from my gallery and I expect more to be ordered. Protip: Take as many different sets of photos as you can. Example: kids alone, together, everyone as a group, etc. More you take now, the more you sell later. You can see the family shoot set on my gallery home page gallery.teddysmithstudio.com. __________________ 1Ds Mark II, 70-200mm 2.8L IS, 35mm 1.4L, 70-200mm F4L www.teddysmithstudio.com

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