HOW TO PRICE WHEN YOU ARE JUST STARTING 

Are you a new photographer wondering where to start out when it comes to pricing? When it comes to pricing I hear a lot of reservations from new photographers. 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 feeling stuck with pricing this would be an ideal time to think about buying a mentoring session or sitting down with a good 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 to a point that makes it more worth your time. 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 when starting out and then every other year after. 

MY PRICES 

I typically charge $450 per portrait session. This session includes an online gallery and 60 + images. I urge you to either charge similarly to others In your area or that are within your niche. 

UP SELLING 

I also wanted to touch base on the thought of 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 from my experience. 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 prints. After the images are edited it is common that this photographer will meet with said client and present the images in person. The client will then purchase their favorite images as either prints or digitals. 

IMPOSTER SYNDROME 

 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 weather it is over saturated or not. Do not under cut 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 link below!

https://www.laurenmaevephotography.com/contact

See you all next week!

XoXo, Lauren