Navigating Pricing as a New Photographer
Are you a new photographer wondering where to start out when it comes to pricing? When it comes to pricing new photographers are constantly asking me questions. I highly recommend researching what your competitors are charging in your area and then pricing $50 to $100 less. If you are just starting out and feel stuck with pricing this would be an ideal time to consider getting a mentoring session or have coffee with a photographer friend.
When to Raise Your Prices
Many of my students ask me; “When will I know it’s a good time to raise my prices?” You will know when you are ready to raise your prices trust me! Once that burn out begins it is TIME to raise your prices. When you become busier and you are having to turn down work because of the lack of time then you are officially ready to raise your prices. I would urge you to raise your prices every year slightly for the first 3-5 years of your business, then every other year after that.
My Prices
I typically charge $450 for a portrait session. This session includes an online gallery and 60 + images. I would encourage you to either charge similar rates to others in your area or those within your niche.
Up Selling
I also want to touch base on the up selling. Up selling is more popular in some areas and less in others. But with that being said it is a lot more common in the English horse disciplines than it is with the Western. Up selling is where you chare an initial fee for just your time and talent. That fee does not include the actually digitals or rights to the images. After the images are edited the photographer will usually meet with the client and present the images in person. The client will then purchase their favorite images as either prints or digitals.
Imposter Syndrome
If you are feeling anxious about charging too much because of your lack of experience remember that many have stood where you stand and have eventually become successful in their careers. There is room for each one of us in this industry whether it is over saturated or not. Do not undercut yourself because of your lack of confidence. I guarantee if you charge what you think you are worth you will be hired!
Printing Prices
Much like basing your prices off of your competitors I would also recommend checking out what others are charging for their prints. Either sit down with a fellow photographer friend that knows the industry or pay for a mentoring session and ask for some help when it comes to what to charge for sessions, events, and prints. Want to set up a mentoring session? Click the button below!
Until next week!
XoXo, Lauren