Charging for amateur portraits..

[Ursinamus]

Im 16 and offered some of my friends senior picture shoots. Lots were interested. Im thinking about talking some into a general portrait shoot. Charge maybe $20 with a CD. Bad idea? What do you think? Do I have other options?

 

[xjoewhitex]

I think this is going to be a good thread. =)

 

[Ursinamus]

uh oh :/

 

[kundalini]

Could you post a sample of your work?

 

[imagemaker46]

If you think you're good enough to do the photos and it will make them happy, charge what you want. I'm sure at 16 you can use the money. Have fun.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

If they think the images are worth a twenty, sure! Why the hell not?
They know your still learning though right? It would be good practice too.

What camera and lens do you plan t use?

 

[Ursinamus]

You want portrait work? I only have one worthy portrait picture. Right now, im setup with a Rebel XS + 18-55 kit and a 55-250mm. I plan on picking up a 50mm f/1.8 since its cheap and supposedly a "must" for beginners. Any suggestions for lighting? I'd like to grab some budget-friendly equipment from my local camera store. Flashes? Diffusers?

 

[thierry]

post some of your work man

 

[mishele]

Pa. in the house.......just sayin!!
Yeah, post some shots!! Lets see whatcha got!!

 

[Ursinamus]

This is probably my best. Twin cousins.


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[thierry]

if your friends will pay you.. go for it lol

 

[Ursinamus]

I know its not amazing and more of a candid. But I think if the setup is right and my subject is patient, then i can make some decent pictures

 

[rehab]

I always do an "at cost" shoot for friends or when its something i am still learning at. For example, this i would charge $20 but I would give them something tangible like a CD and a 8x10 print. You can go to your local costco or whatever is close to you and get an 8x10 for $3-4 and CD's are cheap. This way they feel as though their money has gone towards something and you pick up enough money to buy yourself a nice lunch.

Also this is also because when someone pays for something, they feel as though they have more value in the photos, rather than free making it seem like a favor. Tackle it however you feel though.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

You want portrait work? I only have one worthy portrait picture. Right now, im setup with a Rebel XS + 18-55 kit and a 55-250mm. I plan on picking up a 50mm f/1.8 since its cheap and supposedly a "must" for beginners. Any suggestions for lighting? I'd like to grab some budget-friendly equipment from my local camera store. Flashes? Diffusers?

Yeah, you'll like the 50mm for blurring the background for good subject separation. The drawback is the difficulty focusing on the eyes with such narrow depth of field when shooting wide open. Save your money for decent flash. You can start out with a reflector and ambient light, get good with that, then move forward with more gear.

Remember to pay attention to backgrounds in your portraits. A great pose and lighting is easily ruined by trees and poles growing out of heads

If you do decide to get a flash, get the book "the hotshoe diaries" along with it!

Also check out the strobist blog.

 

[rehab]

If you do decide to get a flash, get the book "the hotshoe diaries" along with it!

Also check out the strobist blog.

Where is the strobist blog at? Im intermediate level when it comes to flashes but am having difficulty in some areas and curious. Plan to check the book out too.