Not a photographer, but someone wants to pay me...

[JacksonsMom]

... to take pictures. It's one of my moms friends who sees my pictures on FB a lot and she wants me to take some pics of her dogs as well as her and her baby together. I already told her I am NO professional and that I feel bad even taking money... But she at least wants to pay me for my gas and time and understands that I'm not a professional but she just wants some decent Xmas pics of her dogs mainly.

What would you say is a fair asking price for someone like me who is at best an amateur hobby photographer? The drive is about 30 mins from my house and I'd assume I'll be there for at least an hour.

I just have no idea how these types of things are normally even priced. I obviously won't be charging per picture or anything. I'll likely just edit a bunch to the best of my ability and send her the whole lot so she can pick and choose.

 

[Dogdragoness]

I think it would be a great way to make a little extra money, as long as you are up front on the fact that you arent a professional and its just a hobby thing, I see no problem with it, I have a friend who is a hobby photographer and she gets paid for it.

I love your pics and always look forward to seeing her signature pics you do with Jackson. the one you have now is especially pretty!

 

[JacksonsMom]

I think it would be a great way to make a little extra money, as long as you are up front on the fact that you arent a professional and its just a hobby thing, I see no problem with it, I have a friend who is a hobby photographer and she gets paid for it.

I love your pics and always look forward to seeing her signature pics you do with Jackson. the one you have now is especially pretty!

Thank you! I am trying to get better and keep learning. I didn't know if it was like 'taboo' or anything in the photographers world, lol, to get paid for taking photos when you're not a 'professional'. But the extra money could definitely help me out now. I know a few of my moms other friends have expressed interest in me taking pics- a lot of folks ask about their pets since they always see my photos of Jax on FB, and most people don't really take the time to take many photos of their pets, or even think about it until they see mine...

 

[JazzyTheSibe]

... to take pictures. It's one of my moms friends who sees my pictures on FB a lot and she wants me to take some pics of her dogs as well as her and her baby together. I already told her I am NO professional and that I feel bad even taking money... But she at least wants to pay me for my gas and time and understands that I'm not a professional but she just wants some decent Xmas pics of her dogs mainly.

What would you say is a fair asking price for someone like me who is at best an amateur hobby photographer? The drive is about 30 mins from my house and I'd assume I'll be there for at least an hour.

I just have no idea how these types of things are normally even priced. I obviously won't be charging per picture or anything. I'll likely just edit a bunch to the best of my ability and send her the whole lot so she can pick and choose.

I certainly love your photography, too. So many of your pictures turn out amazing, no wonder why someone asked you to take pictures.

I'm surely no expert on this, but, I'd suggested anywhere from 25-50 dollars. I'd do suggested like to 35-40 dollars.

Good luck! I hope all goes well.

 

[Equinox]

I'm not sure either honestly, and I'm interested in what others have to say. I do go around to family friends and one particular neighbor to take photos for them, but have never charged them. I did accept gifts, but for me it was mostly for fun and practice. I don't get a lot of practice photographing people or products, so it's a good opportunity for me, too.

For a very long time I just was not comfortable charging for my photography because it never quite measures up to what I see others produce locally, kwim? Only now I'm beginning to think my photos are worth charging a small fee for, and that's mostly because I spend a lot of time editing and almost always give more than was asked for (in terms of time, number of photos, etc.).

I don't want to say what I'd charge because I know it's probably not enough, and I don't want others to undersell their talent or time LOL I would offer up the option to not pay if she were unhappy with the photos for any reason, just in case the shoot doesn't go as planned.

 

[Snark]

Well, figure gas prices around you and maybe your regular hourly pay and go from there. I think it will probably take more than an hour, between setting up, talking to the woman and getting dogs to cooperate. Hopefully she has some backdrops in mind (in front of a tree, on the sofa, etc.) but you might wind up moving from indoors to outdoors, too, and that will eat up your time as well.

 

[Fran27]

I'd probably just let her decide how much she wants to pay, because I would feel rude asking for a specific amount of money, I think (but that's me and I get awkward in social situations, lol).

So yeah, I wouldn't even mention it unless she asks how much she owes you. For one hour of driving and an hour there, I'd probably expect $30-40 though.

 

[AgilityPup]

For what it's worth, I went to school (local college) for a year for Photography and worked with local professional photographers. I have a fair knowledge of photography, what to shoot, and how to shoot it, etc.

I have a local family friend that will get me to do shoots here and there. Depending on if she wants me to come to her house or if she'll come into my city, I charge $100-$120. I give her an hour of shooting, at least, and then I edit all pictures, as well as make "facebook" sized photos with a small watermark for her (but also give full size, no water mark for printing, etc.) and I give her digital copies of all photos and she is free to do with them as she pleases.

Could I charge more? Likely. But I am not confident enough in my ability, and I feel like compared to the prices around here, $120 is more than fair (I travel 30min each way when I charge her $120).

I, for one, think your pictures are really good, and would not hesitate to pay you at least $100-$120 for your time and product, if not more.

 

[joce]

I'd not charge for the pics then but the gas and whatever you make an hour. So if you spend two hours there and hour driving and make around fifteen an hour maybe ask for 50 ish? Send her a digital copy of everything just making it clear she was paying for time not pics if it ever is an issue.


Once you've done it so many times them charge for the pics. The contract for the pics we just had done was insane!!

 

[milos_mommy]

Underselling is generally a big no-no in any art community, but if you're good enough that someone wants photos from you, I'd say go for it.

Here people charge art where between $400 and upwards of $1000 for a professional at-home photo shoot. Studios like target, JC PENNeys, etc. cost far less and are more ameteur quality. Unless you charge for gas and let her decide on the rest, I'd suggest at looking what a local corporate studio charges and go off that.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Thanks guys! I initially said I didn't want any money, but she insists and I just know she's going to ask "how much?!" (which is such an awkward question, lol) so I just wanted a basic idea in case she does ask... I'm thinking $40-$50 for time and gas would be fair. Maybe as I get more practice and get better, I can charge a bit more in the future. But thank you all for the compliments! I am a little nervous as I have such a 'poser' dog, I get nervous other dogs aren't going to be as good for me, LOL... but she said they're old and little, so I'm hoping it won't be too big of a problem.

 

[release the hounds]

I'm all for making what you can and charging what you think you're worth and collecting what people are willing to pay for your services. But as a non-professional, can you really charge professional fees? if someone is willing to pay that, you can.

those with studios tend to have a lot invested. LIghting isn't cheap, studio space isn't cheap and 20 years of shooting experience and editing is certainly worth the price. USUALLY those professionals produce a product that makes the rest of us look rather amateurish. Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable charging a studio price.

How much editing is she expecting? or does she just want some pics to do with what she wants?

myself, if a friend wanted pictures, I couldn't charge them, if someone I didn't really know wanted some, I'd charge a flat fee for an hour of time around 100-150 and then a lower per picture editing fee maybe 5-10 bucks a photo depending on how much editing they wanted and include the first 5-10 images with the initial fee.

 

[Dogdragoness]

Thank you! I am trying to get better and keep learning. I didn't know if it was like 'taboo' or anything in the photographers world, lol, to get paid for taking photos when you're not a 'professional'. But the extra money could definitely help me out now. I know a few of my moms other friends have expressed interest in me taking pics- a lot of folks ask about their pets since they always see my photos of Jax on FB, and most people don't really take the time to take many photos of their pets, or even think about it until they see mine...

Well, you could always do a "if you dont like it you dont have to pay me" thing. But I really think you'll do great! and If you love doing it and can earn extra money too, whats to lose! Just I would make sure people know you arent a "professional" per say, that its just a hobby.

Cant wait to see some of your photos!

 

[release the hounds]

nobody seems to like anybody else that's making money for something they do or making more than they do these days don't worry about it. What matters is your product is what the buyer is looking for in quality and price if you're happy and they're happy, what else matters?

 

[LostAndConfused]

No suggestions, but GOOD LUCK!

 

[Snark]

Thanks guys! I initially said I didn't want any money, but she insists and I just know she's going to ask "how much?!" (which is such an awkward question, lol) so I just wanted a basic idea in case she does ask... I'm thinking $40-$50 for time and gas would be fair. Maybe as I get more practice and get better, I can charge a bit more in the future. But thank you all for the compliments! I am a little nervous as I have such a 'poser' dog, I get nervous other dogs aren't going to be as good for me, LOL... but she said they're old and little, so I'm hoping it won't be too big of a problem.

I think the $40-$50 is a good fee for starting off. You're getting practice working 'professionally' and the woman is getting a good price/product. As you get more experience/confidence, you can raise your prices.

If the woman is going to be in the photo with the dogs, will you need to enlist another family member to capture the dogs' attention? Or keep their eyes open? You might want to think about bringing a small assortment of toys to direct the dogs' attention where you want it. You may also want a plan in place for a dogs' only photo and their stays are not as good as Jackson's. Maybe a thin line that's easily edited out?

 

[Dogdragoness]

Jacksons mom I would totally pay you to photograph my dogs

 

[JacksonsMom]

Jacksons mom I would totally pay you to photograph my dogs

Aww that makes me feel good! Thanks!!!

I'm going over there on the 16th so I'll be sure to post the pics and let you all know how it goes.