[Ellbee99]

I think we need to take our expenses somewhat in mind, decide what we want to make an hour and per print and charge accordingly. Once we set a price stick to it and be confident about it.

When I first married my husband I felt guilty charging $15 for an 8x10...that was 10 years ago and I have no problem charging $36 dollars for an 8x10 now. I have many hours invested in my images. Time spent in polishing my skills and retouching etc. I no longer think Wally World is my competition. SUV's, bass boats, vacations those are my competition. People have just so much expendable income...some spend it on big "toys" some and spend it on wall portraits that will last a lifetime. I have people who were price shoppers at first but, now they are hooked on my abilities, my friendliness and the beautiful finished portraits that I provide. The ones that have all their friends trying to "keep up with the Jone's" so to speak by coming to me too.

Regardless of what we charge, some people will come to us, some will go to other studios or weekenders and some will go to Wally World. Someone charges $.24 per 4x6 let them charge $.24...it really doesn't take away from me. Once they know how nice it is to go to a studio where they are treated like family and get prints that are a work of art of their children or family or wedding they will be back. I have several clients that don't even care what I charge they tell me what they NEED to order and ask me for a total. There is respect, trust and admiration there...they will not get that from Wally World.

If people are only price shopping and that is their main concern, are they really the clients that we want? Food for thought.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

JMHO,
Lori