Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I was wondering if anybody on here could help me out with something. I have recently started up my photography business on the side from my day job and was wondering how people on here have come up with rates to charge their clients for photo shoots? How they have figured out pricing for selling their work to people as well. Any ideas or suggestions on where to start figuring all that out?

Thanks,
Walshy

How much do you think your ______ is worth?

- Time (shooting and post)
- Personal Expenses (ie travel, food)
- Gear upkeep
- Talent/Ideas
- Prints

and whole lot of other things...

So just starting out what would you suggest charging for a 2 hour event coverage job?? How do you determine what to charge for a portrait session??
Do you charge travel time??

It's your business, only you know your material costs, expenses, opportunity costs, depreciation on equipment, tax ramifications of generating a supplemental income etc...

If you don't know how to price your service you don't have a business.

Compare prices from as many photographers in whatever area you are interested in and for the region you live.

Plus compare your work with theirs, and go from there.

When you meet your customers, see what type of car they're driving. If it's a nice German car, charge more! If it's a Honda or American car, run!!

What if its a Smart car?



Regarding the OP's question. I'll assume since you are starting out that you'll be learning during these shoots as well, so it would probably best to price yourself accordingly. In the end, you want to show value for your product and it can be dangerous to stray too far from that thinking. Consider this from a supply/demand perspective. The more people are interested in booking you, prices go up. The less calls you get, prices go down. Do you have a portfolio, references ... essentially a track record? If not, build your porfolio, not just from booked shoots, but photo sessions that you set up build your portfolio (ie. models, family / friends, etc.). You need to create something that the customer sees as more than just a $40 shoot at Walmart.

Different areas of endeavour have different scales of expected cost, for things like photography. Corporate headshots pay reasonably well. Motorcycle racing shots pay dirt

You have to gauge your audience.



Then the client works for a non-profit organization and will ask you to donate your services