Prices and knowing your quality

[Metalhead]

As a photographer, I understand the importance of the service we can offer to our clients and I know that you need to careful not to undersell yourself..but shouldn't you also know what quality your photographs are in comparison to others around you and not OVERsell yourself?

This discussion is sparked by a photographer who is a daughter of a family friend. She's in her mid 20s and received a bachelors in photography from Texas State. You would assume therefore that she has some kind of eye, but I visited her website and all the shots look like snapshots taken with a kodak easyshare P&S. I was reviewing her pricing page and her largest wedding package costs almost 2 grand. I just don't think that's right, I wouldn't pay it

[Howard Barlow]

The market will choose who lives and dies.

[Metalhead]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

The market will choose who lives and dies.

Very true

[Gateruner]

Just because you get an education in something doesnt mean you are good at it. I could even see a formal education backfiring and taking the creativity that a person has and turns it into a regimented activity.
I am not dissing a formal education just that it isnt always the Holy Grail.

Originally Posted by Metalhead

As a photographer, I understand the importance of the service we can offer to our clients and I know that you need to careful not to undersell yourself..but shouldn't you also know what quality your photographs are in comparison to others around you and not OVERsell yourself?

This discussion is sparked by a photographer who is a daughter of a family friend. She's in her mid 20s and received a bachelors in photography from Texas State. You would assume therefore that she has some kind of eye, but I visited her website and all the shots look like snapshots taken with a kodak easyshare P&S. I was reviewing her pricing page and her largest wedding package costs almost 2 grand. I just don't think that's right, I wouldn't pay it

[Metalhead]

I agree, Scott, I have never had the desire to take formal classes and I would say I'm doing pretty well for myself.

[Howard Barlow]

There are many truths in the photography business. I will mention only one. It is more financially beneficial to be a good photographer, with great marketing skills, than to be a great photographer who can't market.

Many folks go into business thinking, "If I can just create great images, the world will beat a path to my door." WRONG! There are endless great image makers who are not income makers. Why? They don't know how to get the customer in the door. If the product was all, there would only be one type auto, one restaurant, etc, in town. Marketing is the key. Period.

I know photographers who do very mediocre work, but make a nice living. I know some who create beautiful work, but struggle, and/or have another job, as they can't support themselves with the camera. There is no sin in either case.

Calvin Coolidge once said, "...nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent..." That, my dear friends, is so simple a thought, it is generally overlooked.

I say all this blather, to say ... Spend less time worrying about what the other guy charges, and whether or not it is representative of the level of work offered. As I said, the market will take care of that.

[Collins]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

Calvin Coolidge once said, "...nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent..." That, my dear friends, is so simple a thought, it is generally overlooked.

Coolidge had some great quotes....

I agree with the sentiments mentioned here. The market will *quickly* let you know if you have overpriced yourself (assuming you are doing decent marketing).

[toverman]

Howard is right about marketing being a huge factor.

Look at what you can get some of the big-box retail stores that have photo studios. Not terribly offensive photos, but nothing exciting. They get people into their studios because of marketing, low price points and that tug most parents have to document how their kids look at a certain time. And many people are satisfied with the mediocre photos.

[*Mike*]

I think Howard is on the money. At the same time, $2k for her largest package? That sounds fairly inexpensive to me. So, there are probably much better examples out there...