How much to charge friends?

[metric_photography]

Hi everyone-- I need your valuable opinion! I have had a friend ask me to do a family portrait... the trouble, is, I don't know what to charge her! I usually charge a per hour fee or session fee that includes a disk of images. I would do the same for her, but should I wait to see if she offers to pay me? Some of my "friends of friends" clients have right off the bat said, "I will pay you, of course!" and were willing to pay "regular rates." Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[LMAshton]

Personally, I would charge her the same as I charge everyone else. I would also treat her like any other client, telling her upfront what the charges are, what they cover, and have her sign the usual contract.

It's been my experience that giving work away for free or for cheap only ends up in way more hassles in the end. It's just not worth it at all.

[royey123]

Take excellent photos and when his other friends and family want some excellent photos too they'll come running. Pays for themselves.

What's it costing you to take their picture ? I mean really, what are friends for if you can't exchange a professional courtesy.

I have a friend that is an electrician - we swap all of the time.

[prince]

I personally haven't had this situation but one of the suggestions I had read somewhere was not to charge a session fee if they are very close friends but charge your regular prints, CD prices.

If not comfortable you can do a barter or let them buy you some equipment, etc.

I guess I should ask you.. are you looking for suggestions as to what to charge in $$, or whether you should charge at all in $$? Just for my clarification

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by royey123

Take excellent photos and when his other friends and family want some excellent photos too they'll come running. Pays for themselves.

What's it costing you to take their picture ? I mean really, what are friends for if you can't exchange a professional courtesy.

I have a friend that is an electrician - we swap all of the time.

Ah, but what if your friend had nothing of value to you in return? Barter is one thing, free is another.

[windrider86]

Do you think the owners of Wal-Mart charge their friends a different price?

[bhursey]

Normally with family or a very very close friends I drop the sitting fee. They still pay full price for prints. But since you give away digitals I don't know how that would work.

[royey123]

Originally Posted by windrider86

Do you think the owners of Wal-Mart charge their friends a different price?

Wal-Mart is owned by Shareholders. BUT... even an employee is entitled to a 10% discount.

[royey123]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Ah, but what if your friend had nothing of value to you in return? Barter is one thing, free is another.

Yah - friendship is nothing to value.... lol

[Jonbar18]

Depending on how close this friend is, anywhere between free and double the usual fee.