Senior Pics - General Pricing Range info please

[CraftTeaLady]

I'm trying to start off this photography business and have people wanting senior pics. I'm honestly shocked at the prices I have seen w/ the studios in my area...

What do you charge? You can give me a range if you don't feel comfortable giving prices...

What do they get w/ the service your provide?

Please help me to know what is a good and what is getting ripped off for my time and effort.

TIA!~G

[Lulu]

I think that it all depends on your area. If you are looking around at other studio pricing and they are charging a certain price, that is what your market will stand. Don't be shocked. Be excited that you can make that amount of money. :lol:

However, if you are just starting out and in the process of portfolio building (pb) then that changes alot of factors. I am in more of the pb stage. Very early pb stage. So, I can only only give you examples of what people in my small town are doing.

Just curious...what kind of prices are the studios charging and where do you live?

[MaryEliz68]

I dabble in freelance.
I have for a couple of years now. the problem is you don't realize how much time you spend other than the shoot so by the hour is not just the shoot although you have to price it that way.
Studio photographers have to charge more because their overhead is more but if you do location stuff, like outside you can be more affordable. I use to do a lot more but things can get crazy. You deal with all kinds of people and it can be stressful instead of fun.
I think the senoir picture thing is good gig it's nice and controled unlike weddings and parties. I avoid them now. But individual shoots are nice and that's my favorite thing. I live in Boston. These are my prices. People consider me cheap because I'll travel anywhere.
Good luck with it. It's been a great way for me to support my photography hobbie with equipment and such.
let me know if you have any other questions.
I have run in to every unpredictable scenario

Basic Photo Shoot (on location):
$175.00
Price includes 2 hr time block (include travel time) for up to 3 people photographed.
Client will recieve 50 to 100 high resolution digital images on CD. Prints are also available for an addition cost of $2.00 per print. This shoot would contain portraits and candid photographs with a mixure of color and black and white images.

Additional time per hour: $25.00
Additional people per person: $25.00

Image retouching available (new) per image: $35.00
(Includes facial blemishes, wrinkles, whiten teeth, soften photo,thin out face and body etc)

Reprints Prices Are As Follows:
11x14 $25.00
8x10 $1500
5x7 $ 7.50
4x6 $ 2.00
Sheet of wallets 4 per $ 3.00

[camerahappymom]

I definately think you should stay competive with what's in your area. The problem with underpricing is that some people will over look you becasue you don't charge enough, and think that you are not a very good photogrpaher. Also.. when you don't charge enough you will not get the clients that are serious about purchasing. You have to put a value on your time. Look at what other people are charging and go from there. clients are paying you for your expertise. Now, if you are just getting started I wouldn't charge a prime rate just yet. get your clientel base estabolished and maybe 9 months from now after you have been doing this awhile, go up in session fee's a bit. I hope this helps you. I started off with 12.00 8x10's, 7.00 5x7's, and 4.00 4x6's just to name a few. Because I have learned and increased my skills, I charge more now. Good luck..