Originally posted by TourDeForce Works if you follow a competent pro. Some of the "professional' photographers getting paid generously are THIEVES for charging for the crap they offer.
Sorry, but it irritates me that anybody who plunks down $$ for an SLR can toss out a shingle.
We are on the same boat, buddy. I do know what you mean. I try to charge BOTTOM price I can get away with and still pay all of my bills. I don't have a perfect business running (actually closed on hiatus) and I know I don't make the most elegant product on the market. On top of that I enjoy giving discounts to couples that are paying for their own stuff out of pocket, so sometimes I have to skip a meal.
USA Today named wedding photographers as one of the top ten overpaid jobs in America. That is probably because of how:
Originally posted by TourDeForce Some of the "professional' photographers getting paid generously are THIEVES for charging for the crap they offer.
and are not representing the market right. Some people can get away with shooting on top tier gear and delivering an excellent product in a prompt way with great presentation. Those guys and gals can get away with selling a 10K wedding photography package to well-to-do clients.
I stay in my market. I assisted for three years. I started on my own with budget weddings that couldn't afford an established wedding photographer but still wanted something beautiful. Only then did I start to raise prices. I still give discounts and have low prices for what I am selling.
I actually stay kinda broke to avoid overcharging.
So, after a couple of years of hobbying around, three years of assisting and a year and a half of doing budget rates, I'm STARTING to make a buck.
@OP, wedding photographers all know each other and gab. If you jump in too fast, you could kill your rep in a day.
Be cool.
(I think that was a long winded post, eh?)