What should I charge ppl?

[ang1995]

I have had several people from my church ask me to take family pictures for them and they all want to pay me something but I do not know what to charge them and since they are all friends it makes is a little harder since I do not want to overcharge.

I am 16 and NOT a professional as you'll have seen.
What do you think I should charge them?

[3bayjunkie]

a good starting point would be around $25 - $30 for a one hour set time, if you are confident enough to take on the challenge. Then they can pay for the prints of what they want.

[private]

I will say your age should not matter. I really dont think that child stars say, well, I am only 16, so please do not pay me what I am worth. Just something to think about.

You will need to do some research, cuz you still need to report your income to Uncle Sam - I dont know the laws in your state re minors working, so thats something to also think about.

[ang1995]

Originally Posted by 3bayjunkie

a good starting point would be around $25 - $30 for a one hour set time, if you are confident enough to take on the challenge. Then they can pay for the prints of what they want.

The last ppl that I did pictures for (family shoot) wanted to pay me even though I wasn't worried about it. It took me about 1- 1 1/2 to do there pictures and I edited the pictures (of course) and put them on a CD for them and they paid me $20.

I thought that that was about right

[ang1995]

Originally Posted by private

I will say your age should not matter. I really dont think that child stars say, well, I am only 16, so please do not pay me what I am worth. Just something to think about.

You will need to do some research, cuz you still need to report your income to Uncle Sam - I dont know the laws in your state re minors working, so thats something to also think about.

Thanks for the advise! I agree with you about age!!

[3bayjunkie]

once you start charging people what you are worth, then you will get the clients you like. I would make a pay chart. hourly is a good way to start out. I had some family photos done by our pastors wife and she charged $30 for a base fee plus $25/hr. then she uploaded them to a website that you can buy the prints you want directly from the website. not sure which one it is, but there are quite a few out there. It makes you look more professional then just giving out a CD.

[ang1995]

I have a shutterfly share sight so I uploaded them on there as well so that they could print them if they wanted.

Thanks for the advise you are very helpful! I think I have a better idea of what to charge now

[Pinellas Guy]

Use MPIX. They are in the Millers family of photo lab. You can also use Adoramapix. Both allow you to upload photos and send the albums to your clients. Much better prints than shutterfly and every photo gets reviewed by a tech. They don't print on the same papers as Walgreens, CVS, Sams but on pro paper. Try out Kodak Endura Metallic

You will gain more credibility when you print at a semi pro lab. I don't know any photogs that print at Shutterfly, but my brother, mom like it. They are not photogs. MPIX has keychains, magnets.

I agree - age does not matter - only experience and what you can do with your camera.

Good luck

Share some of your work with us.

Kyle

[ang1995]

Thanks Kyle! That is good to know. I know shutterfly is not that good of a place to get prints from and it is not professional looking at all. I am going to check into those as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks again!!

i would charge money. its easier and besides, who the hell knows what the current exchange rate is for frankenscence???

~Eric