Question on starting my buisness

[InspiringPhotograp]

I have my first client. She wants a Semi Nude Photo Shoot done but only wants maybe one or two pictures for her husband. I will be doing her makeup and hair also and editing out any blemishes etc. We live in Northeast Florida (i know thats important to know being as everyone charges diff around in diff states.) I really dont know what to charge. Do I charge extra for the hair and makeup do I charge extra for the editing and do I charge a sitting fee or do I just charge for the portraits she purchases or should I choose a base rate. Really lost on all this. Haven't had a chance to do a lot of research before I met my first client. Any help would be greatly apreciated!! thanks

[Unkl Buck]

What did you tell her?

[heartseye]

I would suggest a sitting fee high enough to encompass the costs of mua. If she has her hair done, That would be at her expense. Then, I think you should charge enough for the prints to cover all the processing you might do. I think it's a terrible mistake to offer low price prints, where the subject sees herself without the benefit of post processing, and then to say for more money you can make her look better!!

Always do absolutely the very best product you can, and charge accordingly....cheers...Bob

[Unkl Buck]

Originally Posted by heartseye

I would suggest a sitting fee high enough to encompass the costs of mua. If she has her hair done, That would be at her expense. Then, I think you should charge enough for the prints to cover all the processing you might do. I think it's a terrible mistake to offer low price prints, where the subject sees herself without the benefit of post processing, and then to say for more money you can make her look better!!

Always do absolutely the very best product you can, and charge accordingly....cheers...Bob

Right on, heartseye. I'm with you. Work up or have some displays of images that are finished. Make it easy for her to spend money with you. Don't nickle and dime your customers. They hate that.

This is part of the reason I dislike the "shoot and burn" method. Most of the time, the images are SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) and no retouching is done whatsoever. Make the subject look and feel good about themselves. Make them want to come back to you.

I second the notion of not charging low prices. They will place a low value on your product. And not Value it much.

peace,
mark

ps - As for what to charge, look at your expenses and charge according to that. But have an idea what the "market value" is too.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

Another thought. If I am shooting something I don't currently have in my portfolio, I will not charge a sitting fee in return for a signed model release to use the photos on my web site, in my portfolio, or in any way to help promote my business. I then give them the option to purchase the photos from me if they choose. If they sign the model release, I will aften give a discount on the print prices.

Other than that, I will charge a $50 sitting fee for "in area" photos. (up to 50 miles)

[InspiringPhotograp]

Originally Posted by Unkl Buck

What did you tell her?

I ended up giving her a price of $150

I told her that involves my sitting fee, hair and makeup and any retouching. Seeing as she only wants a few prints, I gave her a choice to get a small photo book with a few of her favorites from the shoot for an extra charge of $15 (seeing as she most likely doesn't want large prints of this particular photo shoot.) Or she could pick her favorites in single prints for an extra charge according to the size of prints. She chose the photo book. But she hasn't set up the appointment as of yet.....i hope i didn't overcharge. But She told me she was asked to pay $300 at another place she went so I say I'm giving her a deal!!!
I figured it my first real shoot so I would charge this and see if it covers me good and I will know for next time. ya know.

[Crotographer]

Homework, research, what-the-market-will-bear...The precursors to starting any business, including photography.

Someone was charging $300.00 and you charged $150.00. Quite a difference. I know I am late to this thread but how did you come up with your price of $150.00? Knowing how you determined price will say a lot as to your homework before setting the price.

[InspiringPhotograp]

yes...i came up with the charge by going by what heartseye told me

[Crotographer]

IP. I hope you learned what to charge in your area. I hope it worked out for you. Good Fortune! You took the plunge, great, be aware of your over head.

An old and goofy, yet true, saying: "If your outgo exceeds your income then your upkeep may be your down fall." Read this and absorb this. Pay attention to what is currency in your area. I wish you well.

[KingEnigma]

Just curious. Did you ever hear from her?

[Unkl Buck]

How'd your session go?

[InspiringPhotograp]

aparently 150 was too much or her....she never called back and I tried to reach her and she has not returned my calls... oh well..i sure wasnt going any lower than that.

[kelley_french]

thats too bad.

[olegkin]

Keep in mind that some states require you to have a license to do make ups. And I would not touch a client without having a good insurance policy