pricing for 2 teens

[Artdrea]

A friend and i started a photography co. it's mostly pet and child portraits about a week ago and we're trying to get things set up but we're having problems with what we need and how much we should charge. we don't have much money but we're not doing this specifically to make money either we're doing it to improve our skills and make some money in the process what are the absolute essentials? and how much should they cost? also what should we charge or how should we go about figuring that out?

thanks for any tips we could use as much help as possible

[MichelleMaxine]

This is a good time to start because the holidays are coming. I would start with friends and family to build up a sampling of your work to show clients. I would read books on child and pet photography or check tips on this website. You can walk around your neighborhood and show people your pictures. I would say 5 dollars an 8 by 10 because who could say no to that if you took a great picture of their cat or kid? When other people see that photo they will say "who took that great shot", so remember to include a sticker on the back of the photo with your name and phone number. It doesn't matter what you shoot with if the shots are good. And people who are not photographers are less critical. They just want their cat or kid to look good. Be friendly, start with people you know, and good luck.

[Jim Poor]

Wow. This is going to start off sounding a bit harsh, but stick with it and you might be surprised.

I'm guessing you are very young. Probably high-school. Based totally on the way you write and the way you have "started a photography co" without any forethought as to how to go about doing it.

All the questions you ask now should have been asked and answered before you started, but that is, so to speak, spilled milk.

So, what have you done to start a photography company other than say "Now we're a company?"

What equipment do you have?

What photography skills do you have?

What post-processing skills do you have?

Where/how will you print?

What skills do you have in dealing with pets?

What skills do you have in dealing with (shutters) children?

Do you have insurance?

What research have you done into your market? I think I know the answer to that one.

Where in VA will you work?

Will your clients come to you or will you go to them?

Have you considered working for an established photographer in your area? I happen to know a pet photographer who may be needing an assistant for a few holiday portrait fund-raisers planned over the next few weeks.

A bit of grammar and punctuation might be a good start if you were to want to consider something like that.

From what I understand, this pet photographer does some pretty good work ;0

Originally Posted by Artdrea

A friend and i started a photography co. it's mostly pet and child portraits about a week ago and we're trying to get things set up but we're having problems with what we need and how much we should charge. we don't have much money but we're not doing this specifically to make money either we're doing it to improve our skills and make some money in the process what are the absolute essentials? and how much should they cost? also what should we charge or how should we go about figuring that out?

thanks for any tips we could use as much help as possible

[Artdrea]

What equipment do you have? I have a Nikon D70 and my friend has a small point and shoot

What photography skills do you have? we have both been really interested in photography for about 4 years

What post-processing skills do you have? i have more post processing skills then my friend and i am learning more everyday but i'm still a beginner

Where/how will you print? probably costco i think it gives the best bang for your buck i've had some prints done there and have been happy with the results

What skills do you have in dealing with pets? we have both had pets and have photographed them often

What skills do you have in dealing with (shutters) children? we both have younger siblings and use them as models quite often

Do you have insurance? no should i and how much?

What research have you done into your market? I think I know the answer to that one.

Where in VA will you work? mostly northern VA but we're thinking of selling prints of our vacations somewhere online

Will your clients come to you or will you go to them? i think a little of both but we'll probably start by going to them

i have another question what do potential clients want to see in a portfolio?

[lputman]

Artdrea, have you considered talking with Jim in response to him maybe needing an assistant in the area that you are looking to get into?

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Have you considered working for an established photographer in your area? I happen to know a pet photographer who may be needing an assistant for a few holiday portrait fund-raisers planned over the next few weeks.

[Jim Poor]

What equipment do you have? I have a Nikon D70 and my friend has a small point and shoot

*A p&s won't cut it. A D70 can in very specific circumstances. What about lighting equipment.

What photography skills do you have? we have both been really interested in photography for about 4 years

*Interest does not equal skills. What SKILLS do you have?

What post-processing skills do you have? i have more post processing skills then my friend and i am learning more everyday but i'm still a beginner.

*OK.

Where/how will you print? probably costco i think it gives the best bang for your buck i've had some prints done there and have been happy with the results.

*Costco uses the same printers as most of the pro labs. Do you have their ICC profile and know how to use it?

What skills do you have in dealing with pets? we have both had pets and have photographed them often.

*I'm also a dog trainer and know first hand that having pets is not an indicator of skill in dealing with them.

What skills do you have in dealing with (shutters) children? we both have younger siblings and use them as models quite often.

*How about other peoples' children?

Do you have insurance? no should i and how much?

*Yes, enough to cover your equipment plus liability.

What research have you done into your market? I think I know the answer to that one.

Where in VA will you work? mostly northern VA but we're thinking of selling prints of our vacations somewhere online.

*Good luck with that second part. That's a tough market.

Will your clients come to you or will you go to them? i think a little of both but we'll probably start by going to them.

*Good choice on one hand but: Have you considered the issues involved with two young girls traveling to strange homes?

i have another question what do potential clients want to see in a portfolio?[/QUOTE]

*Depends on the client and your target market.