Amateur Photographer Rates

~Xmiaww-im-a-muffinX Jun 19, 2012 Student Photographer

So, I've just recently finished college for summer and have started arranging shoots that I'm getting payed for from a few friends but as an amateur photographer ( [link] ) who's never charged anyone before I've no idea how much to charge that would be a fair amount and know that I ended up asking for WAY LESS then I should have but I'm clueless because I don't want to charge too little or too much, especially when it's my friends that i'm charging.

Has anyone had the same problem?
What are your own rates?

I've been thinking that I should charge an hourly rate for the actual shoots and then a seperate rate for the retouching time. Also I want to set up a few packages like a 'Model Portfolio' pacakage etc for a set price.
Any thoughts?

Thank You
Luciie B

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Devious Comments

^Kaz-D Jun 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Hello!
You've been featured here!
Enjoy

!Ceadie Jun 28, 2012 Professional Photographer

My thoughts:

Look at your professional competitors in neighboring areas. Call them and ask for a quote for what you want to do. Then decide what you should charge. It depends on what your expenses are as well (studio rent, insurance,etc). I would strongly recommend against separate fees (an hourly rate and separate retouching)as this will encourage cheapskates. You want a client base of people who can afford you. It is just not a professional way of doing business to break it down like that. Have a FLAT RATE for your package and list all the wonderful things included in your wonderful packages.
Charge for prints. DO NOT GIVE THEM THE DISK WITH ALL IMAGES. If you hand it over, your work has no value and they assume it's easy and anyone can do it. You will never see them again because next time they will go to the cheaper dude who is shooting for $20. After all, anyone can do it. You need to sell yourself as a pro who has a unique vision and talent. And provide the best prints you can. They will notice the difference and tell their friends how you stand out from the dime-a-dozen amateurs.

~Xmiaww-im-a-muffinX Jul 2, 2012 Student Photographer

thankyou so much ^-^

~Svenler Jun 24, 2012 Professional Photographer

You charge whatever your market bears, it tends to be an equilibrium of what you think you should be paid and what the market wants to pay you.

Read this: [link]

~Xmiaww-im-a-muffinX Jun 25, 2012 Student Photographer

Thanks ^-^

~2ndecho Jun 22, 2012

Judging from your stuff here, I'd say you're quite ready to start charging. How much? Just do the market research. What is everyone else in your area and nearby charging, and how are they setting their rates. Some photographers will be clearly more experienced than others and their rates will probably reflect that. Compare yourself and see where you stand among them. But don't undervalue yourself.

I'm with the others: drop the amateur label. If you're charging, but still call yourself an amateur, it would sound like an apology ahead of time for bad work. "I'm an amateur so please don't expect too much." Nah, let your portfolio set people's expectations, not some arbitrary label.

~Xmiaww-im-a-muffinX Jun 22, 2012 Student Photographer

Thankyou very much for the advice- Most photographers around my area are wedding based so I've found it hard to compare but I'll talk to the few photographers I do know to ask around too

And thank you so much. I'll drop the amateur label now, I've just never really known when to stop thinking of myself as amateur

^Kaz-D Jun 22, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Hello!
You have been featured in Photography Weekly!
Enjoy! And don't forget to fav if you liked it

~Xmiaww-im-a-muffinX Jun 22, 2012 Student Photographer

Tehehe Thankyou ^-^ I surely will

!JessicaAnn87 Jun 20, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Just a thought but if I were to pay for photos I would NOT hire an amateur photographer. If one is going to charge they should practice their craft before they charge.

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