this time a paying gig

[FrankS]

Almost ready to go photograph my sister in law and her husband - no money in this, but I have another portrait job this Saturday: a family portrait and individuals of the kids (young adults).

I used to do weddings but don't anymore. I still do portraits and sometimes do several a year and other times none for several years. This is just word of mouth, no advertising.

I charge $150 for the sitting and include several 8x10's from a single negative. Additional prints cost extra: $20 for 5x7, $25 for 8x10, $50 for 11x14, and $100 for 16x20. These are RC prints hand printed by myself.

Anyone else do this sort of photography on the side? Do you charge more or less?

 

[Ash]

I hope to do similar as soon as I get my darkroom and portfolio sorted. Oh and my website, and my gear, and my......... 😀

 

[PlantedTao]

No, but I do have a gallery show to do in March. It will be very informal, with many other photogs (15) showing there work in a brand new gallery that a friend of a friend is opening.
All work must be priced and any sales will be split with the gallery.
So, my pricing is going to be about what yours is:
8x10 = $40 & 11x14 = $60 (no frame or mat)

Good luck on your shoot Frank.
Cheers.

Jason

 

[kbg32]

That's a pretty low price for a portrait sitting Frank. Basic headshots around here cost $99-150 for 1-2 rolls of film and a set of contact sheets. Prints are additional. For a portrait sitting for a family, including individual shots of the kids, you can easily triple your fee, and only include a set of proofs or contact sheets. Possibly throwing in an 8x10 or two. Your prices for prints are about right.

Good luck Saturday!

 

[back alley]

i used to do the same. i had a little artist's space in a local arts community building, it was very funky.
i charged similar as people were expecting to pay less than they would at a 'pro' shop.

it was great extra money and paid for the space which allowed me to do my own thing.

joe

 

[FrankS]

The way I figure it is that the $150 will get me out taking the pictures. If it's a bigger group it's more work but greater chance of a larger subsequent print order.

 

[Trius]

I think fees will vary a lot based on market, personal preferences (as in Frank's reasoning,) etc. All the best, Frank.

This sort of reminds me of a sitting I did many years ago for someone graduating with their Masters degree. The location was the Labatt home in London, and it was a lovely setting and I got to meet Mrs. Labatt as well. She was a bit condescending, but I chalked that up to her not knowing that I was close friends with the subject, not just a hired gun. Film was VPS, IIRC, so that tells you how long ago!

 

[dcsang]

$175-$225 depending on what it's for is my sitting fee.

I usually do the same Frank.. toss in a print or two of one image.

My stuff is digital though. I'd like to do some more film work but then I'd probably want an SLR. I could get away with the M7 but would like to snag a 75mm if it's "head and shoulders" portraits.

The print prices you're charging sound fair - just have to ensure the people KNOW that you're printing them by hand and that they're receiving quality workmanship and not the "walmart special".

Dave