What’s Your Preference?

Bielefeld · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Hey guys, so I have been into photography for quite some time now, mainly doing favors for friends and family. I have never really thought about making money with my skills. So here is a question for you. I was asked to photograph a friends wedding including engagement photos, bridals and photos at the reception. Now I am doing this as a friend and this will become my gift to them with a printed album and such. But while doing this my friend informed me that her cousin and his wife saw my photos and were wondering if I could take their Christmas photos and what I would charge. Now I am pretty confident that I can give them a good product but I have no idea what I would charge. What would you recommend? Should I write out a cost estimate including gas (I live in Logan, Utah and they most likely live in Draper, Utah which is a 2 hr drive) and other such services? Any help and information would be awesome thanks!

nh7tn · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:39 AM

AS A MINIMUM, cover the costs of gas, printing, and reprinting if your print lab isn't an old friend. I've done a few events and weddings as favors to friends and told them it was free, only to end up dropping a couple hundred just for gas and hotel. then I had to buy my own food for the two days and the print lab wasn't one I used before. I like to give my friends half off my usual rates, or keep the full price but give a free upgrade or free book.

CaptainNH · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:31 AM

Beware of setting yourself up with a reputation for being "cheap" - favours are all well and good, but you need to ensure that you not only spread your reputation and gain further work, but you ensure you get paid what you are worth.

For me, outside of family and my own personal friends, everyone else pays full rate.

Bielefeld · #4 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

Beware of setting yourself up with a reputation for being "cheap" - favours are all well and good, but you need to ensure that you not only spread your reputation and gain further work, but you ensure you get paid what you are worth.

For me, outside of family and my own personal friends, everyone else pays full rate.

Oh yeah I know that for sure! I am trying to not to set myself up as the "son of a friend who owns a nice camera and will take photos for cheap". But just out of curiosity what is your full rate and how long have you been in the business?