why so much money??

[tikaldogos]

for me photography is still a hobby as in my income does not rely on it so if i shoot everyday or not does not play into my prices.

because my photos arent lively hood driven my prices still arent that high and yet people look at you like you are taking their first born male child when you give them pricing.

why do people feel like photography is something that should be given away, even if you dont even know them?? its not like i go to a car dealership where a friend works and expect a free car

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

hehehe A friend of mine stated that he use to price his 8X10's as high as the price of a pair of jeans from Aborcrobie & Fetch as those 8X's had more value.

[texkam]

why do people feel like photography is something that should be given away

Because people don't understand and respect the creative process, and because of that lack of understading and respect they don't place the proper value on it. It's not just photography either, the graphic design industry suffers from this ignorance as well. The practice of crowdsourcing is particularly troubling. Unfortunately, it's our fault. If I had a competitition where I invited lawyers to write a will for me, only paying the winning submission, how many takers would I get? .....Yeah, exactly. Value what you do.

[reader0428]

I think this issue is partly due to pricing strategy. In general, low prices attract price-sensitive buyers looking for the cheapest rate. Higher prices attract buyers who value quality and are willing to pay more for it. There are business models for both pricing strategies, you just have to be intentional about knowing which one to will use and thus how you will market yourself.

[Photogdude]

Originally Posted by reader0428

I think this issue is partly due to pricing strategy. In general, low prices attract price-sensitive buyers looking for the cheapest rate. Higher prices attract buyers who value quality and are willing to pay more for it. There are business models for both pricing strategies, you just have to be intentional about knowing which one to will use and thus how you will market yourself.

Nailed it.

[rph]

Originally Posted by reader0428

I think this issue is partly due to pricing strategy. In general, low prices attract price-sensitive buyers looking for the cheapest rate. Higher prices attract buyers who value quality and are willing to pay more for it. There are business models for both pricing strategies, you just have to be intentional about knowing which one to will use and thus how you will market yourself.

I agree. Every person that's ever approached me, as a friend or acquaintance, came to me bc they knew I had a "good camera" and wanted the quality without the price tag. I shot something for a friend that's always been a big help to me in the past. I was doing it bc the guy has repeatedly directed work to me, for years, that he could have done himself (at our real jobs). At the end, though, he handed me some cash and insisted that I take it. He was generous, but about $300 shy of what I would have charged. He doesn't know that and never will. He asked me bc he checked with "real photographers" and established a price less than theirs, which he felt would be fair to me and good for the quality he thought I'd provide.

I don't mind him doing that, at all. He's helped put a lot of money in my pocket in the past and he's a good friend. I didn't want to take anything. But this is the mindset when someone approaches you for a friend deal. They don't want to pay anything over the value in their head...which is usually based on walmart pricing. I don't call it "cheap". They just don't understand the difference.

Generally, I show them...
Most get it then. Unless they're an accountant, maybe. I had an accountant once that insisted he could not tell the difference between a custom print and a proof. He then compared me to a "dirty cop that steals from people". I'm not sure where that came from, but I am sure it's the reason he's not my accountant anymore.

[reader0428]

Here's how I deal with the friends-asking-for-a-favor situation (thankfully there haven't been many...). Assuming I'm willing to do it for free or a greatly reduced rate, here's how the conversation would go...

"Sure, I can do that. When I do free (or reduced) sessions for friends, though, you should know that it will be on a weekday [A LOW TIME FOR ME THAT I CHOOSE], I will work on your photos as I can work you in between paying clients, and this may take 6-8 weeks, or maybe longer. I'll put your proofs in an online gallery. If you decide you need them sooner and/or you want the full "Amanda Faucett Photography experience", with a maximum of two-week turnaround and in-home viewing and ordering appointment, the session fee and purchase minimum is..."

That way it's their choice and they understand that they can't expect the same treatment as a paying client.

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

Good advice there Amanda!

[Howard Barlow]

This is one of those situations where a person 'sees it', or they don't. My FIL thought people were nuts paying my prices.

It's like anything else on the market. A person sees value in something, or they don't. If they don't, it is almost impossible to change their perspective.

I once mentioned to a good friend of mine he should let me photograph his wife. "Why, I've got her to look at. Why would I want a picture, instead?" He wasn't being funny, he was totally serious.

No doubt, there are items on the market we would look at the same way, "Why on earth would anyone spend money on that?" It all depends on what one finds value in. I don't think many minds can be changed on such.

[MyKey]

Great advice here. Lovin the feedack. Reminds me of this saying:

What the difference between a professional photographer and a large pizza?

The pizza can feed a family of 4 :)

Being a full time pro ain't easy you have to work hard to stand out to get the business. However I do love it!

[Coelus]

If it's for a friend or family I usually say it's a gift if you want _____(fill in the blank). Anything above or beyond is business and will be charged accordingly. For strangers or customers who complain about it A) 99% of the time they're not a customer I want anyway. They only see price. B) I usually ask what they are comparing it to (usually Walmart, Sears, or JC Penny) and ask them if they are happy with the quality they got at that price. The answer to that question puts most of them back into the first category.

[carrbowl]

I've learned to relate photography to people that cut hair....anyone can buy a pair of scissors, but would you let anyone cut your hair? Probably not...and just like photography, some people are more talented than others thus the price difference, but no one can do it for free and continue to make a living. It's amazing how people can relate to that.

[ShutterSpire]

When I first started out in photography, every time I would fly 'home' to visit family in another state, I would get bombarded with "Well, since you are here, will you take pictures of....?"

Not only were they wanting me to WORK on my vacation, they wanted me to do it FREE to save them money. What was in it for me?? (It is amazing how many relatives you 'reconnect' with when they need/want your services free or reduced).

I ended up just creating a reduced (but not by much) package for "Friends & Family" and offer that to them, or I simply dont bring my camera on vacation anymore. Ooops, sorry! Can't do your pictures without my equipment =)

I have traded sessions with fellow photographers though and have no problem doing that.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by ShutterSpire

When I first started out in photography, every time I would fly 'home' to visit family in another state, I would get bombarded with "Well, since you are here, will you take pictures of....?"

Not only were they wanting me to WORK on my vacation, they wanted me to do it FREE to save them money. What was in it for me?? (It is amazing how many relatives you 'reconnect' with when they need/want your services free or reduced).

I ended up just creating a reduced (but not by much) package for "Friends & Family" and offer that to them, or I simply dont bring my camera on vacation anymore. Ooops, sorry! Can't do your pictures without my equipment =)

I have traded sessions with fellow photographers though and have no problem doing that.

I tell them I can shoot it now, but I can't process it for a while and nothing leaves my computers without bring processed as a matter of professionalism. My paying clients have to take priority because I am contractually obligated to them within a certain period of time.

My parents have had me do two photoshoots. Both took 8-9 months to process. Sorry, I'm in demand and am extended to my maximum.

[texkam]

It is amazing how many relatives you 'reconnect' with when they need/want your services free or reduced

How many times do Doctors at social events hear "I've got this place on my neck; can you take a look at it?"


....."but I'm an OBGYN!"