how much are you charging

[texangal]

or how much did you charge when you were "starting" out
for couples or family session

[12stones]

I think most people will tell you to find out what's average in your area and price according to that. Notice I didn't say low-ball it... Keep your prices consistent with the market and your experience level.

[iCe]

I say not enough... and most customers say too much... they kind of like the free stuff...

[my3peas]

I started my first year charging $75 for a session. By OCtober I raised my session to $125. Just restructured pricing again and now my session is $175.

[toverman]

It's also important to identify your market, because your prices will draw a certain kind of client depending on what they are. If you're confident in your skills and have a good marketing plan, don't be the bargain photographer ... you'll draw the discount shoppers who aren't real good about buying extras or paying for basics.

[S-Man]

I agree with Todd. I Highly value my time, so sometimes I'll get the ol' raised brow and "ahh, I'll get back with you on that." plus if I'm driving out there I Have to factor in those expenses, plus the time it takes to process the photos and upload etc. I did a few free jobs at first but quickly caught on to market value of quality photography. Not saying I'm the best but I'm at least better than aunt sally with her casio exlim. Look on many different photogs websites who show their package listing and find one you're comparable with as far as quality and service. One pro said in "professional photographer magazine" that he never negotiates on price- period. I don't know how realistic that is in the real world market, but I like to think we can all employ that policy.

[HotHolly]

Copying the other guy doesnt always work - many that just start out dont know what their overhead is and how much they need to charge to turn a profit. As long as your skills are there - charge what you want to be charging in the future. Its extremely difficult to change markets from soccer moms to debutantes. Chose where you want to go before you jump.

My 1st session fee was $175, which was quickly increased to $275. Total sales had been around $500, now they are closer to $2,000 for a child or baby session. And I didnt want to shoot all day, every day. So it takes into account the number of clients I wanted per week. The mass of WalMart moms wont pay it. But a select number of others will.

Price is one thing that affects perceived value. People naturally assume stuff that cost more is better. If you see two similar items for sale and one is underpriced you tend to wonder whats wrong with it. We are priced at the Good God that cost a lot! price range. If they dont flinch, Im too cheap. Sounds stupid, but has been working well. We started doing that from day 1. I didnt want bargain hunters - I wanted patrons to commission me to capture their child and charged accordingly.

As you can see from our sitting fee - our money is made on the back end sales, and not upfront. Other models flip flop that. Consider how much you want to gross from each client and figure out how to distribute it b/t sitting fees, and post session sales.