What to charge?

[LizG]

I posted this in the business forum-

I am looking some advise on what I should charge. Since I am starting out I am mainly wanting to do this for the experience and to help build my portfolio. It is a lot of work, so I don't want to do it for free (or should I?), just mainly wondering how to price it, or even if I should do it.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...at-charge.html

[PhotoDude79]

Charge what you want to make, not what you can afford... Can't remember who said it, but it is so true.

[Jake]

Check out the sticky post in the top of this section:
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...tographer.html

The first post and the link in the 2nd post should get you going.

[MicWayWal]

Liz,

When I am first trying to figure out what to start charging for any project here is my process.
1. I Determine exactly how much time it will take me to accomplish the job.
2. Then set how much I want to earn per hour for my time.
3. I find the cost of the products I am going to produce.
4. I add in the fixed costs of doing business; insurance, equipment, rent
This will give you a working figure or estimate.

Now that you have a working figure, adjust it for non-specific variables like:
your experience, expertise or talent
how much you want or need the work
what kind of time it is taking up; weekday, weekend, evenings
how much you will enjoy the job
what kind of problems you will encounter to finish the task
what your customers are willing or used to paying for the assignment
the perceived value from your customers point of view

Mix it all up and you will have some idea of what YOU should charge for your assignment.