Free Session Contract or not?

[SusanH1970]

In my area, like Jim said (although he and I are in completely different areas), $65 for a session with a print is super inexpensive - have you researched other photographers' pricing in your area?

And yes, a model release is paramount. What I use is a combination of a contract and model release - even for friends.

[lynweber]

I called a local lab its $32 for just the print and then $17 to have it dry mounted. Obviously I'm not out to make a lot of money of this.

[SusanH1970]

So you're only charging for the print...not the session, then....

[Jim Poor]

You are actually losing money at this rate.

Originally Posted by lynweber

I called a local lab its $32 for just the print and then $17 to have it dry mounted. Obviously I'm not out to make a lot of money of this.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

You are actually losing money at this rate.

I couldn't agree more. Lyn, have a look at this thread and read the article it links to.

[lynweber]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I couldn't agree more. Lyn, have a look at this thread and read the article it links to.

Thanks for the link I'm reading it now as well. See I'm new I know what I shouldnt be charging and I need the experience. Do you think I should just do this for a close friend at that price and then up the price for everyone else.

Did you second guess yourself when you first started? I mean I am totally new I understand what my camera can do, not too good at photoshoping or lightroom yet but working on it i can do basic stuff. I want to start somewhere and i thought this would be an easy way to get in with both feet.

[Jim Poor]

The close friend thing is a slippery slope. Read around here and you'll see a lot of threads about folks being taken advantage of by close friends.

Did I second guess myself? You bet, and as much as I harp on it, I also made the underpricing (though not nearly as extreme) mistake.

My thoughts are; if you can deliver, then you should charge based on what you can deliver, not how long you have been delivering it. In other words, if your work is quality, then it matters very little how long you have been around.

[johassler]

One of the things my daughter did when building her portfolio (she's a makeup artist) was to sign up for, and participate in, ModelMahem.com. She was able to connect with mostly local models and photographers, and become a part of local "trade for print" and "trade for CD" shoots. At least some of the photographers she worked with were pretty new and working to build their portfolios too.

Here's a link to her portfolio on ModelMayhem. It might be worth considering signing up (I think you have to submit some portfolio images to get in) and then sending messages to models and photographers in your area to see if you can get some trade work to build your own portfolio. One thing to note about her page: she didn't know any of the photographers or models she's worked with when she started on ModelMayhem; but now a year later she's got a good network of local models, photographers, stylists, etc.

[eNZee]

$65 bucks for a session and a 16x24 print??????

*shakes her head*

i dont do a shoot without $200 just to get out the door. and prints are extra.

you have to really rethink that idea up there

[lynweber]

Thanks guys for the tips I am rethinking the cost. Did you happen to look at the photo I posted on Critique Portraits? That is the one I am thinking of doing and if they want more photos then it would an additional fee.