wyogirl
Oh crop!
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,593
- Reaction score
- 611
- Location
- South West Wyoming
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
I'm not advertising my "photography business" but I'm getting calls. I use the term business loosely because its really a hobby that I am trying to improve upon. I do have a legit business license and such but that is more for my own peace of mind. The last thing I need is some kind of legal trouble for shooting on the side. Anyway... there is a point here and I'm getting to it.
Right now, because I'm learning and because I'm starting my portfolio building I don't charge to shoot, I only charge for the images if the person decides they like them enough to buy them. Which, more often than not, people do buy. Any call I get, I explain my situation, tell them that I'm portfolio building so I don't charge for time, give them a price list and explain that in the future those prices are subject to increase when I am finished portfolio building. I direct everyone that calls to my website so they can get an idea of my skill level. I require everyone to sign a model release as well as a basic contract for the shoot that essentially says "hey, they may all suck, I guarantee nothing" (not those words exactly). And I NEVER take a job that is a once in a lifetime no do-overs kind of shoot.
Is this a reasonable way to proceed if my only aspirations are to get better at shooting and maybe be semi-pro someday? I may never actually go pro, in fact I'm sure it will never be my main source of income. Is there anything wrong with proceeding in this manner?
Right now, because I'm learning and because I'm starting my portfolio building I don't charge to shoot, I only charge for the images if the person decides they like them enough to buy them. Which, more often than not, people do buy. Any call I get, I explain my situation, tell them that I'm portfolio building so I don't charge for time, give them a price list and explain that in the future those prices are subject to increase when I am finished portfolio building. I direct everyone that calls to my website so they can get an idea of my skill level. I require everyone to sign a model release as well as a basic contract for the shoot that essentially says "hey, they may all suck, I guarantee nothing" (not those words exactly). And I NEVER take a job that is a once in a lifetime no do-overs kind of shoot.
Is this a reasonable way to proceed if my only aspirations are to get better at shooting and maybe be semi-pro someday? I may never actually go pro, in fact I'm sure it will never be my main source of income. Is there anything wrong with proceeding in this manner?