Hi Moms, I made a goal this year to turn my photography hobby into a business. I am so excited, but I'm not sure about a few things. I want to start w/ taking pictures of people, not events (yet.) So kids and family pictures. How much do you pay for this kind of thing? Do you think what you pay is a good deal or over-priced? What do you get for your money? What do you think makes your photographer good or not-so-good? Do you use backdrops or mostly outdoor pictures? One thing I thought I would like, as a mom, is 4 sittings throughout one year, w/ 6 sheets included (wallet through 11x14 to choose from) and a photo book at the end of the year w/ all the year's photos. I would charge like $275 or $300. Would any of you like something like that or is that a lame idea? Thanks for all your help.
One of my best friends is a photographer www.earthmamaphotography.com
she charges $125 for regular sessions like family, newborn or senior pics that lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours and $500 for birth photography and weddigns are priced based on event I beleive.
You get a disk with all the pics and then you buy what pictures youwant from wherever you want them printed to get the best deal. She recommends www.mpics.com
good luck!
All depends on how good you are. Sorry to be blunt, but it's true. The year package and book sounds good as long as it isn't per sitting. I like photos done outdoors, so it is important for me to have a photographer familar with different places that they can take pictures. Also, some kids do well with posing and some do not. My youngest won't sit still for a picture, so I have to have a photographer willing to let him run around and play all while try to get a few shots of him in action. I'm sure this is common for moms of little boys. Good luck with your new venture!!
I only use photographers that give me a CD of my photos, so I think you should add that to your offering. That way, I can get them printed wherever I want and whatever size I want. Some photographers will argue that they can't give you the CD because the photos are their property. But, I'm sorry - as far as I'm concerned, if you're taking MY photograph, then those are MY photos. If the photographer wants to use my photo in his/her promotional materials or portfolio, that's fine, but he/she should get my permission first, which is often in the contract that I sign.
$300 / year or $300 a sitting? I would jump on the year, especially if you had a portfolio of pictures to look at. $1200 a year is considerably out of my price range, and I would thank you for your time before bothering to look at the portfolio.
But I'm poor - and that's just me. :)
S.
I have a JCPenney's portrait club membership (free sitting fees, free 8x10 with purchase). I combine that with $3.99 sheet coupons and usually spend $20 - $50 at a time, three or four times a year. They do a good job. I hate that I can't afford the enhancements and the packages - but that's life.
