With the economy in recession there’s not a soul present who feels comfortable delving into the topic of money. Unless of course you’re one of those paid individuals galavanting around. However, let’s pretend that you were a photographer. One of the least respected, artistic people in society. You have to approach a client whether it be business on a large scale or rather something freelance and minor. Your main concern is getting the job done adeptly and the funds that reward you for doing so. A client’s main purpose is to be granted top tier work while receiving the most feasible bargain. Here’s where the unspoken war begins. As I journey with you through the ins and outs of the “How much should I charge” battle, adhere to the process and soak up the focal points. It can prove to be vital in the imminent future.

A Random Day On The Job:

1. Invisible dollars are those which you pay the client. How the hell is this possible? (Smirks)  Well apparently the labor, electricity used, travel costs, particular lenses instituted for a shoot, and miscellaneous costs implemented through usage of cd/dvds and bandwidth is also taxing.

2. You spend most of your day viewing through your SLR lenses and crouching in awkward positions. As if this wasn’t tiring enough, wait until you venture back to the work place and commence with photo editing (at least if you were a hard working/beautifully obsessed/incessant fight type of photographer).

3. So you’ve actually become so stressed that you see fit to subconsciously cut a few corners. Your work comes out okay (wrinkles face with uncertainty and does “so-so” hand gesture)

The Week After:

Sally Armstrong that you performed the shoot for is having a discussion with a close friend of hers over brunch. She proclaims “Last week my company had some product shoots with this guy Dwayne Tucker from Dwayne Tucker.com. Although he’s a veteran in the photography industry and a photoshop professional he was surprisingly willing to give me a great bargain. Do you believe that he did the job for free? I loved it. He seems so adamant about the photography society and the perks that come along with being a pro photographer. (She proceeds to further document the shoot and gives her brunch mate a thorough walk through of its happenings) By the end of brunch Mrs. Armstrong has single-handedly convinced her colleague that Dwayne Tucker would do the exact same thing for her with proper coaxing. Now as a photographer, this spells disaster. Why may I ask? As a fledgling with your own photography business people tend to view that as a stepping stool to ask certain favors. Your job is to satisfy customers and gain maximum exposure. So ultimately you give in. A pattern commences and a chain reaction of more free shoots ensues. OH NO!

Hunker Down And Be A Man About It:

One must speak softly and carry a big stick. Ode to Roosevelt. So in all actuality it isn’t inane that you know your worth. It’s not ludicrous that you UNDERSTAND the costs surrounding a shoot. It’s not crazy that you don’t want to complete a free photo shoot. What do people consult a PROFESSIONAL photographer for anyways? (Smile begins to return)

Charge as follows…I’m not asking….rather telling:

Take into consideration:

-Talent. Whichin hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard. Bring them both to the table.

- Travel costs and gas mileage (also expect the unexpected aka flat tire).

- Equipment and studio supplies which include lighting , props, backdrops, last minute additions.

-Shoot duration and intensity.

- Correspondence(GRR!!! be ready for a pleasant war of words), editing, and the headaches associated with it. (Advil present)

-Delivery, packaging.

-Rights.

-Location fees (some locales charge for the utilization of their ambience).

-Helping hands associated with the projects need to be compensated. This affects future relations so make their time worthwhile. If you look at things on a much larger scale and desire to actually. blossom your operation into a force to be reckoned with then take pride in your first few employees. Treat others how you wish to be treated and you’ll expand tenfold. It’s simple doctrine.

Examine the prior guidelines and recall everything with clarity as you discuss photo shoot plans with a potential client. Every aspect should be accounted for. Attention to detail is highly important.  Pitch an unforgettable experience to all clients regardless of genre. Your pricing should be received with warmth. If all fails, then it’s back to the drawing board. What one client doesn’t do, someone else will. Stay stagnant in your approach.

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