So in the past few weeks, I've been really doing some homework on how to make my business "better." I've been reading A LOT on different forums, blogs, etc....just seeking ideas on what people do to get better business, what things work for them & what doesn't (blogs, craigslist ads, etc), and have even taking a stalker approach to the [b] School Blog since he's so willing to give out little bits of information.

One of the things that I'd like to change is my average joe photo shoot pricing (currently set at $75.00 for up to 2 hours) and the possibility of getting in to wedding photography (depending how my 5 go this year & this is just a THOUGHT, not for sure).

As for the flaming part (lol)...I posted an ad on Craigslist seeking a wedding photographer for my upcoming-so-called-wedding. The reasoning was to see what type of pricing structures are out there (for wedding/photo shoots) & what I was/would be up against. And now that I've done that...i'm kind of intimidated & have questioned my work.

Perhaps this was a bad idea? Or do you think it was necessary in order to make the adjustments I was looking for?

Tanya

**thanks for moving!

I think adjustments are in line.
$75 for up to two hours seems really low.
That price does not include PP time, does it?

I get intimidated everytime i walk into various galleries with professional landscape Artist's works. I feel intimidated, sure, but it doesn't stop me for charging a fair price for my work. With photography there is always room to grow.
I have seen some of your stuff, it looks to me like you are on the right track.
Keep practicing and shooting and studying lighting and one day some one will be saying those things about you.

Don't give your time away. Show potential clients your portfolio, if they like it, they will book with you. If they book with you, it is because they loved your work.

I don't see a problem with the CL ad. They came to you...

so what do they charge and why are you second guessing? Did they have good portfolios and ****ty prices?

$75.00 is what the customer would pay total (for the shoot & PP time) & i've been told more often that I am selling myself WAY too short. I want to be fair, but I don't want to give it away either.

The wedding pricing was all over the charts...ranging from $200 for 4 hours, $500 for up to 9 hours & then $3500 for 6 hours. It seems that the happy medium overall was about $1300 for 4-6 hours of coverage.

As for portait/photo shoot pricing, most people that had a decent portfolio were charging between $175-$350 for a 2 hour shoot, which included a CD.

Originally Posted by SubieBoobie

Wow! you're a steal! But yeah, for PP time too, that's a little low for 2 hours I think. Maybe $75 an hour with at least 30 to 40 photos??

I KNOW!! I'm so cheap...lol

I'd up it to at least $125.

Figuring you've got at least 2 hours at home too for 4 total which is ~$60/hr but that doesn't include any of the expenses you have, and you have a **** load of them....

I was thinking $125 as well...it seems to be a good/fair number.

I forgot to post up that for my wedding pricing. It ranges from $650 (up to 4 hours, cd, online gallery...really basic) to $2000 (up to 8 hours, 2 photogs, cd, online gallery, photo book, 3 prints that are framed & matted).

we use cl to find our clients and we undercut most with 5-6 Hours @ $700. Just got back from a bar mitzvahs - 4 hours and was $600 OTD

I dont do CL, dont want to. I have gotten 100% of my business from referrals. I find it works out best that way. Wedding pricing is tricky, you have to first, be confident in your abilities. If you have any doubt, maybe you should wait a little before jumping in or perhaps second shoot someone a few times before going solo. Confidence in yourself is a huge part of wedding photography. Not only for yourself, but for the clients. As far as pricing goes, you need to look at your local market. Find the range, look at your work and the work of others. HONESTLY gauge your abilities compared to those you find better AND worse than you. RULE #1, DO NOT UNDERCUT YOURSELF. Charge what you feel you are worth. Obviously, within reason but you have to be honest with yourself and your abilities. If you need portfolio work, it might be worth it to charge less for experience as well as content, but dont loose money. Its alot of work and time. Feel free to ask any other questions.

What is CL? Craigslist?

^ yes. craigslist.

Seriously this forum is so Acronym Driven it is ridiculous.