Photography Ladies: I need help!

Mrs.G_09 · October 2010

I don't know what board you all hide out on, but I need some advice.

As some of you know photography is a hobby of mine. I've been getting out and practicing more these past couple months and starting to learn Lightroom and Photoshop. I've been posting some of my work on FB and today a co-worker approached me about doing a portriat session with her after seeing my pictures on FB and wanted to know how much I would want to do it. I asked if I could get back to her about it tomorrow because I've never done portriats.

I got into photography with no intention of making a business out of it so I really have no clue how to go forward. DH says I should do it. I'm seriously considering saying yes, but I'm really nervous. I don't know the first thing about posing, or choosing a location, not to mention how much do I charge her?

As far as a fee goes this was DH's advice: "Since she is your first client you could do the session for free, but ask that you're able to use the photos for your portfolio. Unless the lady is ugly, which in that case I would charge her $50." Lmao. All joking aside, DH had a good point that I could use the money towards getting more photography equipment, which I really need. Does $50 sound reasonable? I figure this would include the session, editing, and a CD with all the edited pictures.

I would greatly appreciate any and all advice you ladies could give me.

MrsBlayne · October 2010

I consider myself more of a photography consumer than a photog, but I would think $50 is a reasonable price if I were your client. As long as they know they are your first paying customer, I think it's a win -win. You can practice and start building a portfolio, and they get a session for a really good price. I think it's fair that they compensate you something for your time.

dani_girl08 · October 2010

Mrs.G_09:
Unless the lady is ugly, which in that case I would charge her $50."

OMG, this made me laugh sooooo hard!

DreamsBride411 · October 2010

dani_girl08:
Mrs.G_09:
Unless the lady is ugly, which in that case I would charge her $50."
OMG, this made me laugh sooooo hard!

me too!!!

And I think $50 is VERY reasonable. I paid our friend $150 when he did our maternity pics - it was his first portraits too - he's a nature photog. What was nice was with our CD of pics, he also got us a really nice frame that holds 3 5x7 shots and framed 3 of his favorites - just an idea

BlondeBeachBride08 · October 2010

Speaking as a photographer, I feel a little differently than the other girls.

Since you admittedly don't know much about posing, lighting, etc and you are in it to learn, you should not be charging at this point. Consider it to be a skill building session that you can use to build up your portfolio. Use the session to learn and grow as a photographer. You don't have to give the client all of the images or anything. Tell them that you haven't done this type of work before and you'd love the opportunity and that you will share the best images with them. That might be 1 image or 15 images, depending how it goes.

Think of it this way. If you charge for your services, you are a professional. Until you're ready to call yourself a professional and stand behind that name with the expertise that come with it, you shouldn't be charging. Also, once you start charging people, you are then a business, are you ready for that?

I did portfolio building sessions for 6 months before I started charging because I didn't know what I was doing well enough to walk into any situation and rock it. Once I felt like I was at that level, I started charging. I still shoot for free when I'm trying something new, like my first 3 newborns were free shoots even though I was charging in other areas of my photography.

As tempting as it is to get some money to put towards photography, start slowly. You'll thank yourself for it later.

jebuell · October 2010

For your first one I would do it for free but have her buy the prints or disc. Create an online gallery (InstaProofs is what I use because they don't charge a fee to just create a gallery but instead take a percentage of your sales) and list 4x6s at $2-3, 5x7s for $3-5, and 8x10s for $8-10. And then offer a disc of all images for $50 or a they can "buy" JPGs on a disc for $3/image or whatever. That way you'll make money and you will also know what "works" (i.e. what the client likes).

And don't pose. What's "in" right now is more natural looking photos. Just have her walk around and sit in random places (a park is nice), crack jokes, have her tell stories, etc. Once you both relax it'll come so easily and you'll get some great pictures. IMO the worst thing you can do is put her in a pose right away and say "smile" and start taking pictures. It's very awkward, even if you already know her.

Here's my warning and something I wish I'd realized more when I started out. Photography is horribly addicting and expensive. I thought I was happy with my 5D/40D combo until Canon had to go and create a to-die-for-AF system on their 7D that I just HAD to have! And early next year when the 5DIII comes out with the same system I'll just HAVE to have it on a full frame camera. I'll admit I've spent upwards of $10,000 on photography gear and will be spending much more soon. And I cannot tell you how many ladies I know who thought they'd be happy with a Rebel and had no plans on doing anything more than a few random portrait sessions who became just like me and HAD to upgrade and HAD to do more. So... just be prepared for that.

Mrs.G_09 · October 2010

BlondeBeachBride08:

Speaking as a photographer, I feel a little differently than the other girls.

Since you admittedly don't know much about posing, lighting, etc and you are in it to learn, you should not be charging at this point. Consider it to be a skill building session that you can use to build up your portfolio. Use the session to learn and grow as a photographer. You don't have to give the client all of the images or anything. Tell them that you haven't done this type of work before and you'd love the opportunity and that you will share the best images with them. That might be 1 image or 15 images, depending how it goes.

Think of it this way. If you charge for your services, you are a professional. Until you're ready to call yourself a professional and stand behind that name with the expertise that come with it, you shouldn't be charging. Also, once you start charging people, you are then a business, are you ready for that?

I did portfolio building sessions for 6 months before I started charging because I didn't know what I was doing well enough to walk into any situation and rock it. Once I felt like I was at that level, I started charging. I still shoot for free when I'm trying something new, like my first 3 newborns were free shoots even though I was charging in other areas of my photography.

As tempting as it is to get some money to put towards photography, start slowly. You'll thank yourself for it later.

Thank you so much for your advice. I completely understand and agree with what you said. I'm not even sure that I want to start a business. I'm more interested in nature and landscape photography just for fun, but Jason has been encouraging me to make some money at it because I've been wanting to get more lenses and equipment but cannot afford them.

Mrs.G_09 · October 2010

jebuell:

For your first one I would do it for free but have her buy the prints or disc. Create an online gallery (InstaProofs is what I use because they don't charge a fee to just create a gallery but instead take a percentage of your sales) and list 4x6s at $2-3, 5x7s for $3-5, and 8x10s for $8-10. And then offer a disc of all images for $50 or a they can "buy" JPGs on a disc for $3/image or whatever. That way you'll make money and you will also know what "works" (i.e. what the client likes).

And don't pose. What's "in" right now is more natural looking photos. Just have her walk around and sit in random places (a park is nice), crack jokes, have her tell stories, etc. Once you both relax it'll come so easily and you'll get some great pictures. IMO the worst thing you can do is put her in a pose right away and say "smile" and start taking pictures. It's very awkward, even if you already know her.

Here's my warning and something I wish I'd realized more when I started out. Photography is horribly addicting and expensive. I thought I was happy with my 5D/40D combo until Canon had to go and create a to-die-for-AF system on their 7D that I just HAD to have! And early next year when the 5DIII comes out with the same system I'll just HAVE to have it on a full frame camera. I'll admit I've spent upwards of $10,000 on photography gear and will be spending much more soon. And I cannot tell you how many ladies I know who thought they'd be happy with a Rebel and had no plans on doing anything more than a few random portrait sessions who became just like me and HAD to upgrade and HAD to do more. So... just be prepared for that.

I'm really happy you said don't pose, because honestly I don't like posing! Nearly all of the pictures I take are "natural". I just like real emotion so much better than forced smiles.

I am learning just how expensive and addicting this "hobby" is. When I bought my D40 a year and a half ago I had no intentions of upgrading anytime soon, but I already want to upgrade. I've found this model has it's limitations and to do what I want to requires me to upgrade. At the time I bought it cost was a big factor, but now I wish I would have saved a little longer so I could have started off with a better camera. I've already started a wish list of lenses and equipment I want too.

jebuell · October 2010

I'm not too familiar with Nikon cameras so I can't recommend anything, but don't be afraid of older models. Whenever something new comes out the model that was the big thing before that suddenly drops in price as enthusiasts upgrade to the next best thing. You can even get some great deals on used and refurbished cameras and lenses. I bought my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS version 1 about two months after the version 2 came out for $1,000 less than what it was listed for sale on any site because the guy who bought it had upgraded to version 2 and just didn't need it anymore.

My two main bodies were used or refurbished and older cameras (I got the 40D shortly after the 50D came out) and saved a bundle. So when starting out I highly recommend looking into that.

Of course now I MUST have the newest and greatest thing when it comes to cameras which is why I got a 7D instead of a 5DII even though the 5DII is the "better" camera. But I wanted the AF system because it was new and shiny. I'm such a sheep it's ridiculous.

alisonpilgrim610 · October 2010

I agree with Morgan. Start slow.

My first year, I did all of my sessions for free & let my clients know that I was just trying to build my portfolio. Then I started charging $50 a session once I felt comfortable enough. I was able to build up my equipment with all those $50 sessions I did.

Plus, the more you shoot those free sessions, the more you learn!

lindeenwedding · October 2010

Not a photographer, but I was going to suggest what Morgan said. I most definitely would not be charging at this point. You might not get any good shots or just one or two and then as a paying customer your friend will probably be upset, but if they know that this is your first time and that you are both getting something out of it - you portfolio building and her a free session its a win win even if you only get a couple good pictures.

Ashleysred · October 2010

I wouldn't charge her. Do it for free. No pressure for you to come up with some really great images and if/when you do get some good images then you can put them in a portfolio. Just make sure she nows that you are portfolio building and they might get used in showing to potential clients or advertising.

Buttercup29 · October 2010

I also agree with Morgan - - I started doing non-profit work for a dog adoption center to get experience at no charge. I also did many sessions for free in the beginning to get a portfolio built as well.

I do want to add that the best advice I got was it isn't the equipment you buy but the practice/experience and learning you get. There are people out there shooting amazing things for magazines and even newspapers with an iphone. I'm not kidding. So don't rush into buying lots of things you don't need until you understand why you need them/want them/work with them. I've also heard another photog say never to buy your equipment on credit. Good luck and I hope you'll share what you shoot with us.

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