How much experience before charging?

[Wes]

Originally Posted by JohnT

My question probably stems from a little dissatisfaction with my results. The clients are always happy, but I'm constantly looking at my work and realizing that I could be doing better.

If you wait until you are no longer dissatisfied with your results, you'll probably never charge. Even the best photogs here can probably look at their best work and still see minor little things that they could have done differently.

I agree wholeheartedly with what Don said.

[brad]

Originally Posted by Wes

If you wait until you are no longer dissatisfied with your results, you'll probably never charge.

Truer words rarely spoken.

It can be said about a lot of things in life.. if you wait until its perfect, it will probably never happen.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by brad

Truer words rarely spoken.

It can be said about a lot of things in life.. if you wait until its perfect, it will probably never happen.

However, I don't recommend you apply this quote to your wife....
Believe me, I tried it on both of my ex-wives.......

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

However, I don't recommend you apply this quote to your wife....
Believe me, I tried it on both of my ex-wives.......

You old romantic.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

...I probably went into business a little too soon and made a few mistakes, but no real disasters...

I am reminded of 2 quotes sent to me yesterday by a family member from Will Rogers:

There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

I went in business when someone saw my work and took the risk on me. Frankly, I stay in business the same way.

[canoflan]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Since there has been some talk about not charging for one's photography services until your really ready for prime time, I'm going to pose a question for all you portrait photographers. How much time did you put into learning your craft before you were comfortable going into business? (I know everyone learns at different rates, and one should always be honing their skills.)

Not an all encompassing answer, but I wouldn't start charging until you are ready to handle the business end of the transactions with remitting sales and use tax receipts to the government. The government doesn't care if you have their Sales and Use Tax Permit or not, you owe them the money because of the transaction.

I have found a few that either are thinking about going into business, or have already and didn't even think about this stuff. That is why many keep it a hobby and leave money out of it.

Just some thought...
Pat

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by phorn45

There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

How true.

[Flames]

I consider myself to be fairly new to all the technical stuff involved w/photography. I started charging when someone asked me if they could hire me to photograph a family function. I was honest about how much experience I had...and they still wanted to hire me. As long as you are honest w/any potential clients about what you can and can't do there should be no prob. They either hire you or they don't.

Also..you're ready when you have contracts in place for your clients to sign, get some liability insurance, talk to a good ol' cpa, and a ton of other junk. lol. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to exchange my services for money. lol

And yeppers....I agree with the others--when you feel that you produce consistent results, and have shot in many different conditions so you can troubleshoot rather quickly and get the shot...you're ready.

Indeed, you can't wait until everything is perfect...just make sure you know all that is involved and do some proper research. I'm learning this photography thing is like 90% business...the other 10 is the actual photography. So, sad sometimes.

[dfw]

Only time I charged was when they asked to pay But personally I don't think I'm ready yet to be charging everybody.