Photographing children/families

Forgive me if these are dumb questions, but I'm a beginner.

I've always just dabbled in photography, but am trying to make a side business of sorts out of it; mainly by doing shoots with families and kids. I haven't done anything *serious* yet (just my son, friend's kids, etc.) but all of a sudden I have people coming out of the woodwork, asking me to shoot their kids (yikes! - LOL).

I'm looking for advice on how to price these things at the beginning, if anyone wants to share. Also, if I just have a Canon 50D, kit lens and a 70-200mm telephoto, what more should I get?

I was also bamboozled into shooting a wedding for an old school acquaintance in September. The thought of THAT is scaring the bejeesus out of me (especially after reading through a thread here dealing with a wedding photog horror story). I'm sure I'll need tons of advice, help, guidance, and whatever else anyone can offer there.

I know I've rambled, and I'm sorry. I guess my bottom line questions are: how to set a price on sessions as a beginner and the basic equipment I should have before I do that. Thanks in advance!

I am glad you asked these questions. I am going through the same scenario. Wife's friends want pics, co worker wants me to do engagament pics, another wants family pics. All offer to pay, but I never know what to tell them as I dont htink I have a body of work that justifies it just yet.

FWIW......I have a 20D (50D is in the mail). I use an 18-55 lens in my home mostly. I have two alien bees lights which I got as Bday and Fathers day gifts. THey seem to get the job done for me.

First thing I would pick up would be a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4, whichever your budget allows, or an 85 1.8. They are great portrait lenses.

As far as your pricing, thats pretty much up to you. Your local market plays a role, your skill plays a role, the competition plays a role....theres so many factors that go into it.

Just remember to factor in everything....gas, time traveling, time shooting, processing, prep, delivery...don't sell yourself short because once you become known as the guy that does good work for really cheap....its a hard rut to get out of. If you do start cheap make people aware that it is an introductory thing. That will help keep you out of that trap.

alabama1980 wrote in post #8249966
...because once you become known as the guy that does good work for really cheap....its a hard rut to get out of.

I hope I don't become known as a cheap guy!

But seriously, thanks for the advice. That is one of the things I'm worried about, is by trying to be nice in the beginning and not charging much, that I'll get stuck there because word will get around.

The girl I'm doing the wedding for has asked me if she can pay me after the wedding......I'm sure "professionals" would probably run for the hills at that point (:lol, but I'm not worried about it because I'm scared to do the wedding anyway!

50D + 85mm f1.8 can produce professional results.

LibbyLou wrote in post #8250174
I hope I don't become known as a cheap guy!

But seriously, thanks for the advice. That is one of the things I'm worried about, is by trying to be nice in the beginning and not charging much, that I'll get stuck there because word will get around.

The girl I'm doing the wedding for has asked me if she can pay me after the wedding......I'm sure "professionals" would probably run for the hills at that point (:lol, but I'm not worried about it because I'm scared to do the wedding anyway!

Don't worry about that at all!!! If she doesn't pay; don't give her the photos.

No one in the history of weddings hasn't wanted their photos ASAP after the day.

I've had others tell me that's the lens they use a lot of the time, too. Thanks!

LibbyLou wrote in post #8246430
Forgive me if these are dumb questions, but I'm a beginner.

I've always just dabbled ..... I'm looking for advice on how to price these things at the beginning, if anyone wants to share. Also, if I just have a Canon 50D, kit lens and a 70-200mm telephoto, what more should I get?

....

What kinds of things are you wanting to shoot? Are you going to do studio portraits of people or are you doing on location shoots? For on location fill flash, it's great to get the flash off the camera so that you can have the fill light come from whatever location you want, not just from the camera. A Speedlite 430 EX flash, diffuser, and either an ST E2 or a Pocket Wizard can work for that. A tripod is also essential -- two of them if you want one to hold your off camera flash.

ThomasOwenM wrote in post #8250377
What kinds of things are you wanting to shoot? Are you going to do studio portraits of people or are you doing on location shoots? For on location fill flash, it's great to get the flash off the camera so that you can have the fill light come from whatever location you want, not just from the camera. A Speedlite 430 EX flash, diffuser, and either an ST E2 or a Pocket Wizard can work for that. A tripod is also essential -- two of them if you want one to hold your off camera flash.

I'm thinking I'm going to go more of the on-location shoots route, rather than studio portraits. It's much more my style to be outside, photographing people doing their thing, ya know? Not sure how that would work all the time, but I imagine people do it, right? (meaning, no studio work, all on-location)

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it!

LibbyLou wrote in post #8250439
I'm thinking I'm going to go more of the on-location shoots route, rather than studio portraits. It's much more my style to be outside, photographing people doing their thing, ya know? Not sure how that would work all the time, but I imagine people do it, right? (meaning, no studio work, all on-location)

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it!

Okay, then you won't need a full studio light setup, but do consider the off-camera fill flash gear I described. Be sure to read up on it especially since the ST-E2 and the Pocket Wizard are very different animals.

ThomasOwenM wrote in post #8250484
Okay, then you won't need a full studio light setup, but do consider the off-camera fill flash gear I described. Be sure to read up on it especially since the ST-E2 and the Pocket Wizard are very different animals.

Thanks. So, with maybe the 85mm f1.8 and some off-camera fill flash gear, I should be set?

It's funny because the people who are asking me to do photos for them - all they've seen is what I've put out there so far using either what I have now or even less (my old Fuji Finepix S5100). Either I'm okay or they just don't know any better. LOL!

LibbyLou wrote in post #8250574
Thanks. So, with maybe the 85mm f1.8 and some off-camera fill flash gear, I should be set?

It's funny because the people who are asking me to do photos for them - all they've seen is what I've put out there so far using either what I have now or even less (my old Fuji Finepix S5100). Either I'm okay or they just don't know any better. LOL!

That will get you going, but, trust me, there will always be some kind of gear you're itching to get. Yes, the 85 f/1.8 is an excellent lens. I love mine.

I also do location shoots with families (parks, gardens etc)....My clients love the relaxed feel to the photos. Untill I got my 17-55 I was just using my 50 1.8 with great results.
The 85 1.8 is a great lens (I had the pleasure of using one for a day) The length can be a problem but only untill you get used to it.
good luck

You will be working just as long and hard on a 2-3 hour photo shoot tomorrow as you will 5 years from now.

Don't be fooled into thinking people don't know how much it costs for professional photography.

If they didn't already know this they probably wouldn't be asking you (a non-pro) to shoot them, especially for a wedding.

If they are asking you because they have seen your work and want similar results for themselves, charge as a professional would. They will no doubt gladly pay the costs.

If they are asking you because they see you have a "camera that takes good pictures" charge as a professional would and show them your portfolio. -

If they feel your price is too high you have no need to apologize. Your time energy and investment is worth fair compensation & reasonable profit.
Smile politely and tell them to call you if they come to a different conclusion in the future.

I hope I don't become known as a cheap guy!

whoops!

My apologies!