pricing portraits

[cameron65]

Going to start up my photography business (portraits) I was thinking to make a special introductory price for the next two months;
45 minute session for $ 40 includes 10 images on CD/DVD.
Is that reasonable? That way I would build up my portfolio and after two months if things go well, I can raise my prices. Do you think that this is fair?

 

[eric-holmes]

 

[Tbini87]

Sounds a little low to me. What do other photogs in your area charge? I am not sure that people are going to be happy with you charging twice or three times the amount they paid for their first shoot. It may be better to build your portfolio for free using people you know and keeping your prices in your normal range.

 

[cameron65]

Let's see some examples of your work.

I am still trying, there is no "attach files" in Additional Options

 

[KmH]

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...forum-functions-pictoral-guide-using-tpf.html

Building a portofolio by shooting for free is a big mistake.

You don't know the CODB (cost of doing business, like having a studio) other photographers have, so what other photogs in your area charge has little to do with the financial health of your business.

Going to start up my photography business (portraits) I was thinking to make a special introductory price for the next two months;
45 minute session for $ 40 includes 10 images on CD/DVD.
Is that reasonable? That way I would build up my portfolio and after two months if things go well, I can raise my prices. Do you think that this is fair?

What does "fair" have to do with it? Who is your target customer? Are you charging what you or your social network would be willing to pay?

Do you have a written business/marketing plan?

It is a good idea to have an introductory special but it is much harder to raise prices, than it is to lower them.

Assume it goes well. What will your pricing be then in 2 months?
Will the customers you had for the intro be able to afford your new higher rates?
Or will you have to start over with a whole new set of clients that can afford to pay the new rates?
In other words, how does the introductory pricing help you get the attention of people who can pay more?

What happens at the end of 2 months if it doesn't go well?

 

[cameron65]

[

Building a portofolio by shooting for free is a big mistake.

Totally agree, I would not do it for free.

You don't know the CODB other photographers have, so what other photogs in your area charge has little to do with the finacial health of your business.

Going to start up my photography business (portraits) I was thinking to make a special introductory price for the next two months;
45 minute session for $ 40 includes 10 images on CD/DVD.
Is that reasonable? That way I would build up my portfolio and after two months if things go well, I can raise my prices. Do you think that this is fair?

What does "fair" have to do with it? Who is your target customer? Are you charging what you or your social network would be willing to pay?

Actually fair has nothing to do with this. I did not explain it quite right. I was just wondering if that would be an idea, say charging my friends to build up my portfolio. I decided building up my portfolio for the next two months, using my friends/family at no charge. They help me, and I do not charge. That is fair. When I am ready in two, six, twelve months, who knows, I charge whatever is reasonable for my area. Probably rates like $ 75-$100 an hour but I will do some more research. I make sure I deliver a good product, and excellent service.

Do you have a written business/marketing plan?
Am still working on my marketing and investment plan, in March I am going to put it on paper with my tax professional consultant. Am not in a rush. For now, exploring, researching and taking lots of photos (which I already did but now I have a goal).


It is a good idea to have an introductory special but it is much harder to raise prices, than it is to lower them.

Assume it goes well. What will your pricing be then in 2 months?
Will the customers you had for the intro be able to afford your new higher rates?
Or will you have to start over with a whole new set of clients that can afford to pay the new rates?
In other words, how does the introductory pricing help you get the attention of people who can pay more?
Like earlier, I leave out this introductory pricing. I will compete with others as soon as I am ready for business.

What happens at the end of 2 months if it doesn't go well?
Not applicable. . By the way, not talking about the introductory rates but starting up a business is always a risk,[/QUOTE]

 

[SageMark]

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...forum-functions-pictoral-guide-using-tpf.html

Building a portofolio by shooting for free is a big mistake......

You don't know the CODB (cost of doing business, like having a studio) other photographers have,......

I couldn't disagree more with this, sorry. There is nothing wrong with proactively building a portfolio, then instituting proper fees to targeted clients. I am speaking from personal experience and first hand knowledge from other respected photographers in our area.

He shouldn't need to know the codb other photographers have. He only needs to know his business plan, lest he remain a low budget photographer until it becomes time to move on.

 

[SageMark]

My reply was not ment to be taken as "it's ok to forgo understanding the cost of doing business" , just that I see it as fine to create your portfolio so that you can effectively have a business to maintain. If your good, it doesn't take long to build enough of a portfolio to target clients with favorable rate.