I need to know....

[dodukes]

what going rates are for photography. Pretty much I do this on the side, went to school and all so its not just hobby like but at the moment i cant make a full living out of it. I have someone who has asked me to shoot her daughters 15th (quinceara). I have done family portraits for her before.

What is the going rate for one of these and what is included? I dont want to charge as much for obvious reasons (im not a full fledge pro) and she is friends. However id still liek to charge a resonable amount hat i wont feel taken advantage of.

Basically as far as wants she wants coverage of the event, a pre event photoshoot, a 16x20 of that day at the event. Those are basics and we also talked about one of the books (the binded ones that you can publish).

Can anyone help me out. I have looked online and all ive seen is very scattered and VERY expensive(wellnto all but most). All ranges from $600(very very basic) to $2500. I asked a girl I work with and she called some family member who says she paid around $2500. I cant fathom charging that much. help!!!

 

[Geoff_M]

I'd say start at the low end of the rates that you've surveyed. As you start to feel comfortable with your product, you can move upward. Don't sell yourself short. That's the #1 problem with people that opt to get into doing photography on the side.

Before you agree to your first gig, make sure the client sees a sampling of your work. That they they can make the determination if your price is "worth it" based on what they see. As long as you deliver that level of product, there's no reason to feel guilty about the price agreed to.

 

[SharonLowe]

You need to research what others charge in your area - it will vary so much. For example, Boston prices are going to be way higher than prices in less expensive parts of the country. To me, for the work you are doing, $2500 isn't unreasonable - it is a bit like shooting a wedding. You will be there a long time, have to process and present proofs, prepare and pay for the book, etc. As for being a friend, if you feel it necessary, give her a discount, but make it clear that your going rate is $XXXX so that others who might meet you and want to hire you won't expect a cheap rate.

 

[Anewman]

I have shot a few quinceanera's for friends of the family over the years, more as a favor cuz I really did not want to.

I gave them an album with around 300 proofs(4x6) for $1 a proof, and also gave them a price list(very reasonably priced) for enlargements. One of the families never ordered enlargements and one ordered them almost 2 years later, the other two spent over $1500 on them.

IMO they are much tougher to shoot than weddings cuz the court can be so much larger and include a bunch of non co-operative teens. Just think you can have up to 15 teen aged couples(like ushers and bridesmaids), plus godparents(sponsors) and then immediate family all needing to be in the formal shots(and church shots and reception).

To this day I still get referrals from the few that I have done, I always tell them "I sold my equipment."

 

[dodukes]

Thanks for some info guys. As far as her knowing my work , yes she actually called me cuz i have worked with her before and she didnt like what the banquet hall photog had to offer. So to that point, i am at least flattered..hahaha.

Thanks for the different infos on how to go about it. I am thinking I guess i should do a bit more reserach and maybe call some up and get some quotes for ideas and then put together some stuff for her. I definetely was going to start on the lower end but wanted to know exactly what that was...lol, you know like you said dont want to sell myself short cuz it is a lot of work, not just shooting but the after part and we also want to do a formal outdoorsy shoot too so itd be like 2 shoots i have to quote. The album for the proofs is a good idea, i can offer that. thanks again and keep any other suggestions coming if you have any.

 

[MICKEY88]

I have shot a few quinceanera's for friends of the family over the years, more as a favor cuz I really did not want to.

I gave them an album with around 300 proofs(4x6) for $1 a proof, and also gave them a price list(very reasonably priced) for enlargements. One of the families never ordered enlargements and one ordered them almost 2 years later, the other two spent over $1500 on them.

IMO they are much tougher to shoot than weddings cuz the court can be so much larger and include a bunch of non co-operative teens. Just think you can have up to 15 teen aged couples(like ushers and bridesmaids), plus godparents(sponsors) and then immediate family all needing to be in the formal shots(and church shots and reception).

To this day I still get referrals from the few that I have done, I always tell them "I sold my equipment."

were your proofs watermarked,,??

why not just tell people that you no longer do that type of job, that way you could still get referals for other types of work..??

 

[Anewman]

were your proofs watermarked,,??

why not just tell people that you no longer do that type of job, that way you could still get referals for other types of work..??

No not watermarked, I expected them to use the proofs as an actual album. Lets remember we are talking close friends and family, or else I would not have done it.

And you are correct, those 15 year old girls may soon be requiring senior portraits.