Advice needed on Pricing...

[FirstTimertoDiz]

The girl I work for has asked me to take some fall portraits of her son for his first birthday. Let me say, she is my employer (I am the only employee), but is a close friend as well, so I obviously don't want to make anything awkward, kwim? She has said she will pay any amount, because she had portraits done at JCPenneys, and had a terrible experience. I took a couple shots when we were up visiting one day, and she loved how they turned out, so that is why she has asked me to do them.

I have been thinking about a couple options for pricing, but any advice would be greatly appreciated- a couple details:

* I am not a professional, obviously, but I believe I am definitely capable of getting some great shots because I have learned a lot the past few months.

* I would like to be compensated in some small way for my time in getting there (about a 45 minute drive each way), and in taking the photos, plus any post-processing time it may take.

So, some of the options I have been thinking of....

1.) Charge no sitting fees or anything, and add in the prices for when she purchases the prints- I do have a professional smugmug account, so I can set my prices. I was thinking of 50 cents for a 4x6, and going up from there.

2.) Charge nothing at all for sitting fees again, and just charging for a photo cd of the pics afterwards, so she can do what she wants- maybe $ 50.00 for that?

3.) Maybe charge a flat fee of say, $ 25.00, which would include something like a small book of 8-10 proofs (4x6), and maybe 1 5x7? Then have extra prints available through smugmug for purchase- maybe 30 cents for a 4x6 and up?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful- I am literally throwing ideas around at this point, but I would like to have something to give to her this week, as she would like me to take pics this next weekend. I would rather have the prices done up front, so there is no confusion afterwards, kwim?

Thanks for any input- I am most grateful for it!
Lisa

 

[gruZ]

Because you are an employee this complicates things, IMHO. If you weren't an employee, here's what I would say:

What do the local pro photographers in your area charge for something like this? The reason I ask is that while you don't consider yourself a pro, your "customer" obviously considers you talented enough to do a better job than she has already received from a "pro" organization.

The other thing to consider is that if you didn't have such a hobby, and some obvious skill, your "customer" would probably go elsewhere to have the job done. Elsewhere is most likely a pro photographer charging pro rates. If you significantly undercut these other pros, you are essentially taking business from them (and remember this is how they make a living).

The final thought. Your boss loves the pictures that you have charged her $.50 for and refers you to some of her friends, neighbors, etc. They now know what you charged for the pictures, and will ask you to do the same for them. At this point you have to continue offering your service for a significantly discounted rate (and is it really worth your time at this rate) or you have to charge them significantly more - either way there will be some potentially difficult conversations.

Back to reality - because you are an employee of the customer, it does put you in a tough spot. Sorry I didn't give you any suggestions here, but hopefully there are some things to think about. I'd be interested to hear others thoughts on this dilemma.

 

[SharonLowe]

Don't make the mistake of giving away your photos (and your time and skill). How about finding out what JC Penney's charges and do something similar (but I recommend avoiding package deals)? I don't know what photographers in your area charge, but I do think you are pricing yourself too low. And, if you start doing more portraits, people will want the cheap option.

I've learned the hard way on some things. For example, I no longer provide my clients 4x6 inch prints unless they purchase a larger size because I had some who literally only ordered 4x6 inch prints and by the time I got them ready and printed, I was losing money hand over fist. For standard portraits, my current sitting fee is $250 for up to 2 hours, including travel time, and they get a proof book plus a DVD slide show. I don't really make much on the sitting fee by they time I factor in my costs and the amount of processing time. I don't allow them to do their own prints - that is where I make my money.

The easiest option is to do the CD but I would think about charging a bit more especially since you have to travel so far. You won't have control over the final prints but if you do them right, they should be fine. If you decide to sell prints, make sure you price them higher. Again, look at what others in your area charge. And, yes, you should have it agreed up front.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Thank you both for your replies- you both have brought up very valid and interesting points that I have not given thought to yet.

I really have to think about this tomorrow- I was thinking about the fact that if she refers me to other people, then I don't want prices to be too low, so I am thinking I may have a "price list", but give her some sort of "discount" for her shoot since I am still learning. I am in an interesting situation, because I am her employee, and though she is a wonderful friend, money is always a subject that can quickly become uncomfortable to discuss with the best of friends, you know?

Any more suggestions would be fantastic!
Thanks,
Lisa

 

[Miss Kelly]

IMHO, come up with a price list that your comfortable with. Take into account your editing and overhead (printing costs, etc). Think of a session fee that you'd like to charge in the future. List it on the price list. Give her a portfolio building special. Free Session and 10% off Prints. Sounds fair to me and hopefully you won't encounter any problems in the future with real clients.