Finding a photographer

[SoonerTexan]

PS--Peggy, sending you a PM with some possibilities

[MissCrabette]

I don't think anyone was saying that we don't value photographic talent or that we would invariably choose the lowest priced photographer regardless of quality. I thought it went without saying that talent is expected, as well as some retouching here and there.

Then again, it's not my responsibility to make sure that photographers make a decent living. All things being equal, I WILL go for the lowest priced guy out there, and I'm sorry if that ends up hurting the profession, but it's not my problem.

I completely see niener's point about people balking at the price. It happens everywhere, not just in photography. Read the fine print. It's the customer's responsibility to be informed about what he's getting for his money, but I think it's a wee bit misleading to offer less expensive packages that essentially force uninformed clients to spend more than they initially intended to. Caveat emptor.

[SoonerTexan]

Then again, it's not my responsibility to make sure that photographers make a decent living.

No, you're right.

I think $200 is more than reasonable for what you do.

I'm just pointing out that what I charge really isn't enough to make a decent living for someone doing this full time and is barely worth it for me sometimes. Luckily that is my choice and I'm not trying to make a living off it!

[MissCrabette]

Frankly, I think $200 is on the low end, or at least it was back when I was looking at photographers. I wouldn't be turned off by a higher price tag. The problem is that there are so many people out there trying to break into the business and willing to take less than what they probably deserve, and these guys aren't always the untalented boobs that the pros paint them to be in an attempt to justify their higher prices.

[MarissaNicole]

Just wanted to add (because I was commenting on how I didn't want to pay $300 or $325 for photos.....)

Normally I WOULD pay $300 (my usual photographer; $150 for the session and $150 for the digital prints) but right now money is tight, and I don't see my pregnancy as important to document as say engagement, newborn, or annual pictures. (Because really I just want them for memories and a baby book, I will not be hanging them on the walls or anything).

[peggyfromwastate]

I would think 200 is very low. Our big family pictures a few years ago cost over 2000, but there were some large canvases and the photographer basically came out of retirement to do the sitting. He came out twice with an assistant, checked lighting, etc etc. But the pictures were all formal- not exactly my style. Old school. But that's ok- it was my parents deal!! And we have a nice family portrait now-- but looking for something of just us...

Anyway I'm so fascinated by this all-- and ST I think you need to raise your prices a little? Maybe? Honestly I've wracked up more than 100$ all told at JCPenneys.... For pictures that I call "record shots"...

[SoonerTexan]

MarissaNicole...don't feel bad! You'd be stupid to pass up a good deal. My maternity pictures were $100 (a photography friend worked out a mini-session deal for me...perfect for DH because it was short!) and N's newborn pics (not the ones I did) were FREE because she wanted practice (she is relatively new) and I told her she could do whatever the hell she wanted with my baby short of dangling her out a window. She brought me a latte 6 days postpartum when she arrived at 9 am. Bless her.

ST I think you need to raise your prices a little?

I do, but I'm not ready to yet. I still haven't gotten my website together and I honestly don't feel good enough yet. It's hard to judge your own work.

[niener]

Then again, it's not my responsibility to make sure that photographers make a decent living. All things being equal, I WILL go for the lowest priced guy out there, and I'm sorry if that ends up hurting the profession, but it's not my problem.

No it's not, and I'm sure this is a problem in a lot of professions. Photography is one of those fields full of hobbyists turned semi-pros and in order to get clients they price themselves just a little less than the other guys, so you can see how after this trend has carried on for a couple of years you end up with people starting out with $50 sitting fees for a 2 hour session and a free CD. I not gonna pretend like I didn't do a few sessions for embarrasingly low financial compensation when I first started out. Most people raise their prices accordingly as they improve and become more experienced, but not everyone does and that's what hurts the field. But it's not your problem any more than it would be your problem if you bought a foreclosure listed for $20,000 less than other similar homes in the neighborhood.

[niener]

It's hard to judge your own work.

It's like trying to unbiasedly compare yourself to all the other women in the gym - just not gonna happen

This is a total hijack so I apologize in advance, but ST the best thing I did as far as this was concerned was take a local photography class and have the professor (a well-established, frequently-published old timer) pick apart my portfolio. It was painfully rewarding. I know you're involved in forums and other places where you can get some critique but I found the face-to-face feedback to be the most beneficial for me.