First steps....

[fritz72]

OK, I am by no means a professional nor do I have the equipment to be one. I have been posting random photos I have taken with my old 300d canon camera and stock lens on facebook, flickr and my blog. On occasion I would shoot with the wifes 40D and 580 flash and 50mm lens.

Anyhow, I am starting to get inquiries for photo shoots for family photos, baby photos and band photos. Personally, I look at some of the blogs out there and my photos and post processing is no where near some of these other guys. If you ask me, I don't feel my stuff is good enough but others seem to think differently and love the work. Maybe it is just me. Most of the photos I have taken are just of me and my family and a few street photography shots.

What should I do? Do I just go out with the 40D stock kit and 580 flash and see how it goes? Do I rent a lens? What do I charge? Do I charge? Do I just give them DVDs or prints? I am so confused but people keep contacting me about sessions but I don't want to just jump into it.

HELP!!!

Flickr: Fritz Pingol's Photostream

[zona5101]

You have some nice images on your flikr, nice style and post work. So as far as equipment, stick with what you have and continue to shoot as you are...thats what people are seeing and liking. What to charge...ask people who are asking you to shoot! A simple response: "Are you looking to hire me?" That should pretty much set the expectation that you're not going to do it for free. And if they say yes, ask them more about what they want done... then give them a price. The price part is where you will find a lot of variance of opinion... what's your time worth? $50/hr? $100? What do other pros charge in your area, probably don't want to price yourself at the top, but neither be at the bottom.

[Jack Skunk]

Yeah nice shots! I like how you have what it takes to get in there and get the good, origional shot (like this one IMG_3628-1 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!). If I had money and kids I might hire you. You should make a portfolio of 8x10s of your best shots to show to clients--I feel like having prints shows that you are commited to your work. Just make sure you are really picky with the qulity. I've been getting some prints done for paid work and I've noticed you have to know whats up. Read everything you can find. And I know everyone is going to say this, but make sure to market well and confidently.

[fritz72]

Thanks for the replys and feedback on the photos! I really appreciate that! I will do some research and see what others are charging in the area. I was thinking of doing the band thing for free but they did ask how much I charge. I almost have to charge. haha.

[knixpix]

Love your flickr stuff, think your not giving yourself enough credit tbh.

[fritz72]

Thank You!

[autofocus]

My KISS formula answers:

What should I do? Do it Do I just go out with the 40D stock kit and 580 flash and see how it goes? Yes, a good start Do I rent a lens? If required..The 50 is good for some jobs, but not for all What do I charge? Don't sell yourself short, but don't price yourself out of the market..remember, this is just the begining, and price it as such. Do I charge? Absolutely Do I just give them DVDs or prints? ehhh, not a big fan of DVD's, many inexpensive ways to provide proofs, Costco, etc (always watermarked, however) I am so confused but people keep contacting me about sessions but I don't want to just jump into it. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere...your compositions and work have some merit