Taking pictures for friends .

[btcole333]

I have always been into photography but never had a nice camera. Just bought a canon 7D and have been taking lots of pictures of friends, family, kids, pets just to get used to my camera and not charging anything. What should I start charging ? I know there are a lot of different variables, but lets say for a dad and his two sons, for one hour. I am just going to give him a disc . Any suggestions would be nice . Thanks

[Jim Bryant]

Don't give them away for free. And also, even if he's a friend, have him sign a contract granting limited rights to the photos. Here's what I embed into every digital image plus I put a hard copy on the disk of images as well as on a contract. Get one signed even by friends. They can screw you over as quick as someone else. Just because they are friends, most think it's okay to do whatever they want with the photos.

"Thank you for respecting intellectual property rights. These images are for your personal viewing only among immediate family and friends and may not be published, shared, or re-used in any way without written permission from the Photographer." No third party usege. If you violate the intellectual property you will be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of these images, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD) or MINIMUM USAGE PER IMAGE: $300.00. For questions or permissions, please contact: YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION