When your rate is too high for someone.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by mlee

T
As per lighting and equipment, I do own a Nikon D700/D90, SB900 commander flash and S600+umbrella+softbox. Lenses: Nikkor 18-200mm, 70-200mm VRII, 14-24mm 2.8, 50mm F/1.4G (my favorite).

Good for you on the smarts on owning the right equipment, as at least it's not the an entry level camera kit gear with a pop up flash like so many others. You gotta own the equipment necessary that will get the job done...correctly.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

for example, if you told her one hour, you could say well we can do a 30 minute shoot for $100. Only drop your rate if you are also dropping your services.

This is a good idea. Thanks BCampbell. I'm not a good negotiator, too nice sometimes.This however will be of help in the future.

Originally Posted by BCampbell

If you can't reduce the services, and still want to do it, just do it for free. You seem to have a concience over this, and since it's not your day job, it won't burn you to do it as a "gift". Give her a few business cards, ask her to refer you to her family and friends, and hope you build some goodwill.

I am actually thinking this same idea. Though I may have a day job right now, I am serious about making this hobby into a full time profession within a year.

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Good for you on the smarts on owning the right equipment, as at least it's not the an entry level camera kit gear with a pop up flash like so many others. You gotta own the equipment necessary that will get the job done...correctly.

Thanks Jim. Nice to hear it from a veteran.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

If she fires back that it's too expensive, don't get defensive. Don't try to justify your rate -- she already thinks it's too expensive, you're not going to convince her over the phone. Just thank her for her time and tell her to contact you if you can do anything for her in the future.

I don't agree with this (been selling for about 17 years now), no reason to not explain why your rate is what it is if she says it's too much money. Many people don't understand why something costs what it does. In this case, she may not understand why you'll charge what you do and why it's more than Walmart. May not matter in the end but, every once in a while, you get someone who has that eureka moment.

You don't need to hammer her, just politely explain why you charge what you charge--if this is the issue.

[mlee]

I got an email form her today. She chose the photo studio as her family prefers it. She said it'll be 24 people in it and would like an 11x14 print. Even though my printing company can print any size she would have wanted.

She said that my rate wasn't a problem - but of convenience. 24 people in a picture.

Oh well.

[Jim Poor]

Hope you have a really BIG studio! Wow!

Originally Posted by mlee

I got an email form her today. She chose the photo studio as her family prefers it. She said it'll be 24 people in it and would like an 11x14 print. Even though my printing company can print any size she would have wanted.

She said that my rate wasn't a problem - but of convenience. 24 people in a picture.

Oh well.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by sk66

Don't work for friends and family....
There's just really no good way to go about it. .

too true... i still have the scars from being burnt
everyone feels screwed when you work for them.

[mlee]

i feel a little disappointed and somewhat disheartened about the situation but I guess that's just how it is.

She did mention that her daughter took a group picture of them once before. I saw that picture on her fridge, taken with a digicam.

It's difficult for some to understand that what they will be getting from photographers like us is so much better than what Walmart, Target, or those retail studios are offering.

[listenthenspeak]

I love this article on pricing for friends and family....
PHOTO LOVECAT: Ask Jillian - How to charge friends and family?