A common problem in the photography field since the introduction of the affordable DSLR is the availability of a photographer. They are everywhere now if you take a moment to look around. Millions of people starting photography businesses from their own homes. This article isn’t about the quality of work in the field so much as the availability of a photographer and the effect this has on someone first starting out with their business. We want clients, we want work and so we try to keep our pricing “fair” to grab attention.
Not to say everyone does this, some people have natural confidence from their skills or maybe even business training. There are plenty though unsure of the market and how far skill and actual product will bait a person in a tough economy.
Truth is though these “fair” prices aren’t fair to you at all. You end up working long hours, wear on expensive equipment; you’re stressed for deadlines and you’re ignoring relationships. Looking at your income makes you sick and bills are piling up.
Your car starts to die faster than you can pay to repair it because between overhead cost and living expenses you’re drowning with your price list that reads: Image CD FREE. Prints are compiled only with packages instead of pressed as a separate item. When you’re customizing your pricing to fit your client’s budget with less concern for your own. (This isn’t to say you don’t make enough to get the job done but your home costs money, the food you eat costs money and updating equipment costs money. Insurances policies and back ups, web service fee’s, the list goes on.
You can’t do it on your own. Pick up some books, find your formula. Figure out what you need to make every month to survive. There is help, you just have to look for it. There are plenty of people who have been there and are willing to offer their advice, blog about it weekly and help guide you around their past pitfalls.
If you’re having trouble with your business, if you’re starting to feel like you’re drowning then visit Psychology for Photographers. Whether you want a portrait business or to set up a successful store for your Fine Art prints you will find the help here.
This is the start to many paths of help, take this first step and see how many paths you can wander down to success. If you have the artistic talent, the technical photography know how with a belly fire of passion for what you do but find your wallet not mirroring your skill and efforts, this is the place to start.
Enjoy your journey, good luck. Stay seeded for more help as I will keep sharing what I stumble upon and find useful. Thank you for tuning in.
Meeshi Sense Photography 