I am trying to figure out what everyone feels comfortable paying for family portraits, because there is such a wide variety of photographers and also different styles of photography. I just started my own photography business, and I want to make sure that my starting price is a good price to begin with as a new photographer. I don't want to say what my price is, because that may influence answers. But I honestly would like to know what you would be willing to pay a beginner photographer if you know they are good and you like their work?
As a side note, I realize that portraits are often priced differently depending on the city people live in. But no matter where you're from I think any answers would be helpful. Thank you!!
Thank you everyone! This really is all very helpful! Keep the answers coming! :) I wish I could post my website on here, so you could all look at my work and tell me what you think my photos are worth. It would be nice to get a totally objective opinion from people that I don't know, so I could get some good honest feedback. But I don't think I'm allowed to post a business website on mamapedia.
It's depends on a number of things. You're a beginner so you should charge less. Did you go to school for photography? If so, you can charge a bit more. Do you have any backdrops or props? If so, you can charge a bit more. All things to think about.
I am a pro photographer. I've been doing it for 6 years now. When I VERY first started out, I was only charging $75 (mostly to just get experience). Right now my fees are starting at $200 with a couple prints in it. I'm working with another photographer right now to do our own family photo's and she charges a lot more than me, but she is giving me printing rights with a CD. I do not offer CD's with a package. I have my website listed in my profile and I have all my pricing stuff on my website if you would like to look at it.
If you are JUST starting out, then you should do a lot of freebies just to gain experience and build up your portfolio. Good luck! Let me know if you have any more questions
Well for me I know i can't afford much for family photos. I guess it depends on what your offering and if you offer discounts to people as you start for promoting you to their friends
We've had family pictures taken 7 times in the past 4 years. Our photographer charges a $150 sitting fee and then we usually end up spending between $500 and $800 on top of that for our pictures.
I don't know if it really matters how new of a photographer you are as long as you have a portfolio or can show examples of the work that you do. Our photographer had recently opened up her studio when we went to her for our first session and I never even knew it until about a year ago.
The picture people or Walmart offer $10 package deals and that is what we do. The picture people is awesome and affordable. If you have one near you go there. I don't spend much on pictures. I can't.
I just know that i don't have money in the budget to spend more than $200.
I look at the packages i can get from penny's and picture people and while those might not be the most personal pictures, if I can get what i want there for $200 I won't come to you and pay $600.
Right now i want a picture for over my couch and I'd love an artistic photojournalism type shot of my kids or the whole fam, but i just really truely can't fathom spending more than $300 tops. So i don't know how much the materials and printing/framing costs would be but subtract that from what you need to make a profit. I don't know is my price even reasonable? we aren't in NY city or LA or anything either though.
Just a suggestion, there are tons and tons of beginner photographers on the internet, search around for prices in your city and compare. if you can under bid them , and i had a few to look at and liked your style i would go with a beginner for sure.
I think it depends on the quality of the photographs you are providing. Are you simply snapping and shooting, or do you take the time to edit and retouch the photographs. I have paid all price ranges for portraits throughout the years and I have learned that I am happier paying more expensive prices for good quality portraits, than paying for cheap bundles at chains, etc. I know some good photographers personnally and have seen the time they have invested in producing some amazing portraits. They earn what they charge. I don't think it would matter to me if you are a beginner or veteran as long as you have the portfolio to back whatever your price range is.
So in short, I would pay $500+ for one large piece of art to be hung in my home and shows off my beautiful family, instead of paying the same price for a bunch of copies of portraits to be distributed to family and friends that aren't going to end up on display any way.
Our photographer charges approx. $250 per session. She then gives us 20 or so high definition edited images on a DVD, and the entire session on a DVD as well. Then she also gives us a release to use as we please. This is definitely the best option for our family.
