FROM BEGINNER TO PRO - What I ACTUALLY Charge For Photography...

[@LizziePeirce]

To buy or not to buy?

[@MaddyandSascha]

Thank you so much for the video, very helpful!

[@photograhy]

What I actually charge and then never mentioning what you charge .. what's the point of this video, because it's not what you charge, its you telling us what we can charge.

[@TheDarknight3x]

It's always good to see videos like this where actual price ranges are given instead of the person saying "I can't give a price because it depends on where you live". Thanks for the clarity Lizzie.

[@kouleeofficial]

I love that you’re being transparent with us all. A lot of people don’t give example of prices at all and just say, “look at your market price.”

[@nick_a_pagan]

I just have to say this; a lot of the things in this video are dependent upon your clientele as well. I've been a pro for close to 10 years and have always struggled to get my work in front of clients that are actually willing to pay what I feel I'm worth. Networking early on in your career is key to longevity!

[@eladbari]

I'm not clear about what you say. 1. Networking sounds like something you do offline..how do you position yourself in ways that lets you meet those clients? 2.Networking online might be your alternative, yet, cold emails or DM'a don't work id you don't yet have those "receipts" to show for...

[@carlymateos9790]

Go to events etc that have the clientele you want :)

[@vistasuprema]

Pro tip. Don't tell your clients you're using a "basic gear package". If you want to accomplish something that you'll need to rent special equipment for, just convey to them that the concept you want to execute requires specialized equipment that you need to rent and the cost. If they want that concept, that's the deal. Calling anything you do "basic" is not a good look.

[@lerakogan]

Common… just change the work to general, or standard. There are some clients who are on tight budget and ok with basic things. You saying the right thing, just don’t make it like the only one way, especially for beginners.

[@joelplummer]

I ss this sand

[@ChrisDavisStudio]

A part 2 with info on Licensing / usage would be a great video, I know a lot of intermediate / new pro photographers who struggle with this area, I know I did. It's essential for bigger pro jobs, it's where most of your income will come from.

[@tyler_lauu]

this would be super great! also things like what to include in contracts

[@peterhernandez3717]

I agree- I just did a shoot for a family (for free) and I asked the family if I could use these photos on my Instagram and website and they were VERY hesitant. I would think that I reserve the right to post these since I’m taking them. I’d love to get someone else’s thoughts on this. How would you approach this?

[@holagloriayasmin]

​@peterhernandez3717 discuss it before doing the session. Have it in writing. They must agree or they don't get your service for free either

[@provisualfilms]

@@peterhernandez3717 Use model release forms!

[@thepassionatepackrat1988]

Good video and wonderful insight. My photo world through the past 40 years has shrunk due to social media and the internet. Fewer clients are willing to pay when they can get it for free or for very little money. People are willing to give pictures away just so they can get published, even though the pictures may be boring or even substandard. And it also depends on the clientele as mentioned.

[@joseluisphoto6351]

It depends on market too. If you live in a cheaper market like Dallas- you wont book any work at 3k a day- day rate. If you are an experienced pro at 600-1k- you will work a ton. But the cost of living is also less here so its very livable.

[@thetristanrandall]

this is what I'm talking about! any other video I've watched on the subject never gave actual numbers to go off of. this is great! thank you.

[@RyanDimal]

thank you, the business side of things I will always fail at. This gives more insight than what I've learned in my years doing photography

[@johncannon310]

Great video Lizzie! It was a pleasure meeting you at Imaging USA. Thank you for being so kind to take a few minutes to chat. Have a wonderful day!

[@fotofrangonz]

The amount you charge doesn't matter if you can't get any client.

[@pinkizhott09]

Yes and no. Because some clients will only book over a certain price range. Being too cheap can make someone untrustworthy, like maybe they just got a camera as a Christmas gift and all of a sudden, 30 days later they're a photographer. When they want a very seasoned professional Of course there are also the opposite price shoppers lol but that's a race to the bottom. I just let other people have those clients

[@kimpoeun2755]

Awesome information thank you. Earned a liked and a subscribe.

[@kylehuntxr]

This definitely helps a lot. Got my head more properly wrapped around things

[@scottbryant7529]

Hey Lizzie! I just stumbled across your channel and this is exactly the video I needed to watch. Also hailing from Toronto, I've always had a problem trying to price my work. I never know what to charge. Your template is amazing! Thanks for the video!

[@RotterStudios]

I've been doing this for a few decades, have experience in many areas, have expensive gear, and there are still MANY tire kickers. One reason I just shoot for myself now.

[@worldadventuretravel]

I don't understand why we're charging for gear we already own though? Is that like charging for gas and mileage on your car if you drive for a living, like to cover wear and tear?

[@LexanderMiller]

Yes you are correct. You charge for your gear because your gear cost money and the client doesn’t want to spend money on that gear and knowledge so they spend it on you to get the job done.

[@artehodjidja8545]

Great video Lizzie! Really clear breakdown.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

Great breakdown. These numbers are spot on! 😊

[@Ingemann.]

This will definitely help one of my friends, great and informative video! I do take photos myself, but it's mainly "just" landscape, nightscapes and photo of the northern lights, so the photos are just for myself.

[@jasroopsinghji]

extremely good video, I really need it this, its a really good place to start, at least to have an idea into the cost and possible business, great video

[@mikebray48]

I totally loved this video Lizzie and did find it helpful. I have always struggled with what I should charge... one factor you did mention is a HUGE factor when pricing and looking at what others charge....BUT... also look at what the general income of the community you live in and what people can afford is a HUGE factor... I started out in Ontario and was gradually able to increase my rates as my skills increased in my photography and learning the business aspect of it. But 2 years ago I moved to a small town in the middle of Newfoundland, and found people here, don't have the income to afford the rates I charged in Ontario...so I had to decrease my prices to the point where I felt it wasn't feasible for me to continue trying to run my business doing photography so I packed it in. But on the flip side of the coin, I found out in the last month that I can now move back to Ontario from here in July, and move to the Ottawa area... Plus I recently got published for the first time in Beautiful Boudoir Magazine, so now when I move back I can base my new pricing off that as well as my hourly, my skill set, my equipment, what others in Ottawa charge, as well as what the gross income is for people in Ottawa and other cities in Ontario.

[@TimChuon]

This was incredibly helpful Lizzie! Thanks for taking time to share these helpful tips with us! I never thought about splitting pricing by type of gear, that's super helpful 🙌

[@marcosjara3523]

Unreal numbers for Spain and i think Europe in general.

[@ba553y]

All I can say is thank you so much for this video Lizzie! Quite informative and helpful. Thank you again.

[@bogopuar7463]

the most helpful video I've seen! Thank you a ton

[@pasqualray1337]

Thank you Lizzie!

[@WolfQuantum]

I had to laugh at the knock at 4:22. I had nodded off in front of the computer. (It's me, not you.) And it woke me up. LOL

[@truthsayers8725]

while ive been shooting photos, in part for publication (college, USAToday, Air Force newspapers) and working in a custom print house back when film was the thing, and currently working freelance for a small web-based entity, id say im NOT a professional. but im FAR from being a beginner or even possibly an intermediate. reason being is because photography doesnt pay the bills but it is a source of small extra income. ive been shooting portrait stuff in addition to standard PJ work but apparently a town of 33,000 residents, with FIFTY THREE wedding/senior portrait photographers, $350 for 1/2 and $500 for full day rates, is too much... i just quoted the local Double Tree hotel a 1/2 day rate for about 10 corporate headshots, and that included deliverables. never got a return call or email... i need to either quit the business or move to a market that actually wants to pay for photography, but at 58yrs old, im pretty much too old to pick up and move. $1460 for a 2-hour gig is outrageous here. id be lucky to get paid $300. ive got all the gear i need for almost ANY situation but you must live and work in NYC or Chicago...

[@MonteMediaProductions]

That’s wild, maybe move..? I’m in the city so clients are all over the place, but I recently closed a deal, they wanted to lower price but I held firm… I asked them what their budget was they couldn’t answer it. I was able to articulate effectively what I was going to do for them and I think that sold the gig.

[@ysaiaspaul]

Really helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@Iamsolcosta]

You go glen coco 😂😂😂💕💕💕 great video

[@popcornparam]

As a pro photographer i would like to diss agree with this ... On a large scale .. ofcourse thats how a cost breakdown would work. But if you charge like 1,500 for a 2 hour Shoot then damm ill fly to that place and still do it at that price.. Ps - i got expensive gear like the R5 / 70-200/ 100mm rf 2.8 and 6 other lenses and flashes and what not .

[@MariaMunoz-rz1nz]

I absolutely love your advice, it makes perfect sense for….USA. How about for someone who lives in a third world country? $2000 dollars is what middle class earns in a month. So how do I charge the right price? I’ll appreciate your input, thanks!

[@toni.rovinj]

I never rent gear, got my own flash, camera, lens 24-70 f/4 (need to get a 200mm) but always, I use my own gear and all the stuff

[@camillemorse5039]

When it comes to finding clients who are wrong to pay what you’re worth, how do other photographers go about that? Would love to open this conversation to other photographers as I am in the fashion, beauty, portrait industry!

[@TaylorKromOFFICIAL]

Networking, lots of networking.

[@MonteMediaProductions]

What do you mean by “finding clients to who are wrong….” Typo? Do you mean.. How do you find clients who are willing to pay what your worth? I think a lot of if it has to with how you present yourself, your image/your brand image then your networking skills. I recently closed a deal on a shoot because I was able to articulate all I was going to do for them, they were trying to get a lower price but I stood firm and explained to them the whole experience they were going to receive. You have to be confident and know your worth.

[@camillemorse5039]

@@MonteMediaProductions yes it was a typo funny you said that bc I did exactly what you said & I got 2 calls back from clients!!

[@MonteMediaProductions]

@@camillemorse5039 Beautiful, love it ! 💕 🥰 Keep up the good work!

[@CheleRobertMihai]

Thank you Lizzie! Very usefule information. All the best from Romania

[@octavianlupuphotos]

Din păcate nu vei primi niciodata banii aia in Romania

[@JairoLop3z]

Great video 💪🏾☺️

[@RICH_Photography]

Charging $1400 in South Africa for 2 hour events would be great!!! Sadly gear here is SO over priced, far more expensive than anywhere in the world. Also, as a full time pro that shoots events all the time, we have to charge around $300 for 2 hours of events here and we on the more expensive side. And then you still running all the gear, wireless flashes making the coolest event shots ever. If you charge any more, you'll never get work. The average full time photographer in SA charges around $800 for an 8 hour wedding.

[@elisinadinova6173]

i mean thats for wherever you live, here the pay is 150-250€max I can’t charge as a beginner 25€. But how do i know how much should i charge

[@miguelfloresphoto]

Excellent! Are those deliverables digitals??

[@000CloudStrife]

I’m starting out but my skill level is top shelf. My portfolio is private due to my contracts with the studios. How do I approach this? Work can only be shared privately and most photog studios don’t know what a private contract is.

[@MonteMediaProductions]

Good evening, why don’t you replicate what you do in these contracts to reflect what you do and build that profile.

[@000CloudStrife]

@@MonteMediaProductions i slowly am. Just wish I had more time to do so. I spend so much time working for other studios. Work 60-70 hours a week.

[@juanlujano4895]

Numbers don't lie 💰

[@conorharrigan9311]

So you charge a rental fee for gear you already own? Am I understanding this right? How do you justify that to a client? Or are you not telling them you own it already?

[@synthesized7432]

Hey Lizzie Thanks for another great video, and all of the amazing information! I had watched your video with Chris “What to charge for video production” a few years ago and from time to time as a refresher, and had a question back then, that maybe you or the community could answer here? How, or do we incorporate a fee, if we have a subscription to Adobe LR / PS, or for video related projects, music subscriptions like EpidemicSound, Musicbed, Artlist, or stock footage / motion graphic assets from Storyblocks or MotionVFX? Would we charge the full amount we pay per month for each subscription used during the project, how would, or should we line item something like that as part of the budget or final cost of the project? Thanks in advance to anyone, for any help with this question😉👍🏼

[@bullettin]

This would be considered office/overhead costs. If you have to get something specific for the project that isn't covered in one of your subs, then bill that directly, but everything else should be included under "office costs" if you line item bill. How much that is per project is determined by how many projects you plan to do in a year. It's all part of your Cost of Doing Business numbers, which you really need to know to make sure you are at least breaking even. Saj Adibs covers some of this in one or two of his videos.

[@jmiscischia]

Best professionals don't sell time but outcome, most importantly they also sell rights to use which is a crucial aspect of our job. And finally, the "best" have agents so they don't sell, the agent do this for them at the maximum price. Your approach to price is typical and very basic, and I think that you REALLY need to include "rights to use", people, with digital and lack of knowledge miss that part that make our industry a better and most respected one in the past than is it today. People think that it's the digital that brings this kind of always free to use, but that's not, it's the lack of knowledge. Rental needs to be mention in your proposal EVEN if you owned the gear. Your gear is a tool and like any other tools, it has to be priced (it's an investment that has to be pay back), that's the way real pros work. The other way is to include everything in a daily price but by skipping these lines form your proposal, client doesn't see and understand what's a pro photographer/filmmaker/dop etc. really does for him/her and what's involve in a project. The direct consequence is that you diminishing the value of your work and loose money. I can guarantee you that clients understand these things once you explain it and it's even better for you because they realize that you are really a professional and you know clearly what you are talking about.

[@harpersisland]

I hope your results aren’t as sloppy as your graphics. $60 RENTAL x $200 PACKAGE = $12,000 So I’m pretty certain you meant $60 RENTAL + $200 PACKAGE = $260 You might suggest “Best to check your work before pressing SEND”

[@tjsinva]

Don't forget transportation.

[@KobySneaks]

1st

[@pdc398]

@2:07 and none for Gretchen….

[@davidcoleman2868]

I find it soul destroying for couples in the cut throat world of wedding photography when photographers are undercutting just to secure business. I've seen so many disappointed couples with the end product. Is price really the deciding factor capturing one of the most important days of your life?

[@AmaraARW]

It is if you don't have money 🤔

[@AngryNegativeHistoryProject]

Beautiful girls like this get all the luck

[@AutumnHxze]

This video made me feel bad about what i charge

[@Amelia-h2s]

I feel like 100$ a shoot is a good price ppl won’t even do that 😢😂sadly they think they’re getting 200 pics in reality it’s 20 …not bad imo

[@JasonSturgess]

The problem I have is all the new comers doing work for FREE ! prime example I had wedding venue contact me asking me for a photo I captured last year from a Drone that was amazing and they asked for the photo for FREE ! Mind you this venue is charging customers $10000 + a day to hire... yet they don't want to pay me $200 for a photo that will bring more clients........... safe to say I refused them access to using my photo. I;m not going to gain from it if they just mark my name up next too it.

[@MonteMediaProductions]

I hear this being a common trend! The problem is that these photographers don’t have any teachers or leaders. I was on Club House on the daily just listening to the professionals (10+ years experience) and they always said to know your worth and don’t be afraid to charge. I’ve only had my camera for 2 years and I just landed my first +$700 gig but this includes a intro video I’m going to make for them. To the new guys, don’t be afraid to sell, know your worth and take pride in your work! God bless! 🙏

[@AegenemmnoN]

80-100 total images for a wedding? Yeah right

[@matcoleman823]

40 images from a 2hr event shoot?? And 100 from a full day wedding??? That's insane! In NZ a pro photographer will deliver from an 8hr wedding, on average approx. 500 photos. Some are a little less, but most are more... 😳😳😳 Couples expect this amount if photos - how are y'all getting away with delivering 80-100 images from a full day???

[@conorharrigan9311]

Answer: its made up. No couple would tolerate 100 images from a full day wedding. Period.

[@CoveringFish]

@@conorharrigan9311 it’s not made up but it’s probably the quality of the images also culling the images as well. Are you delivering 500 without sorting them? Realistically from 500-1000 photos only 100-200 are good probably. When I say good I mean keepers no flaws printable images m

[@conorharrigan9311]

@@CoveringFish I've been in this business a very very long time. I've done high profile weddings, worked with some of top wedding planners in the world (Marcy Blum to name one). I don't do weddings anymore, but I know many very very very successful wedding photographers who travel the globe. The idea that a client pays all that money and gets 100 images delivered to them in the end is not accurate. Perhaps they get 500, and 100 get deeply retouched? Maybe that's what was meant. But no one, and I mean no one, is sending 80-100 images, and thats it, to a client. Period.

[@conorharrigan9311]

@@CoveringFish Now perhaps they find a couple of clients who have fallen for something like that. But I can assure you in no way whatsoever, at all, in any form, is this an industry standard, AT ALL

[@joefreemond2484]

@@conorharrigan9311 you should do a bit more research on some of the best wedding photographers in the industry. Look up John Dolan, he's been shooting weddings for over 30+ years and he delivers 16 final fine art prints to his wedding clients along with 100 digital selects. He charges $40K per wedding and only shoots 10 per year. Delivering hundreds of images just for the sake of some arbitrary "industry standard" is ridiculous, and the vast majority of the time many of those hundreds of images are totally meaningless. The right clients will pay for quality over quantity

[@westleyleonstudios]

8 hour wedding and you're only doing 80 - 100 images!?!?!? WTF!?!?!?

[@shaqpac51]

This video gave me the confidence to charge 4000$ with little no experience

[@pummelchen21]

80-100 pictures for an 8 hour wedding day? Is that an american thing? Even the pickiest photographers I know wouldn't deliver under 300 images for that amount of time frame. More likely between 400-1000 images.

[@conorharrigan9311]

No - I live in a top wedding market and 100 images from a full day shoot is so absurd that it is clearly a fabricated scenario and never happened

[@AntonisKorakakis]

1500$ for two hours? Get out of here 😂

[@EdwardBliffin]

All this video told me is that I'm SEVERELY undercharging 🤣🤣😫😭

[@ErnestoGuadalupe]

I copped your budget & estimate template and it was very thorough. I was able to charge a client for photo & video top dollar for a pretty chill shoot, and applying the templates to my communication with the client saved me some pain all the way from the initial email to 'payment received'

[@todddammit4628]

80-100 final images for an 8 hour wedding?! I've been delivering like 600.

[@jan-hendrikswanepoel3744]

As you should imo 🙂 But that said, to each their own 🙂 In South Africa, the bare minimum is around 300, but that would be around four hours' shooting. This is generally speaking, of course.

[@MicroFourNerds]

We deliver about 1500 in the uk 🤣

[@largefamilyruralliving7434]

I think that is a manageable amount for everyone, i can't believe the normal in the midwest USA is about 1,000 images from an 8hr wedding. I hate to go through them all even to make an album with mine from 20yrs ago. I think that's the number it should be- low hundreds.

[@paulelunico]

Ive been delivering 600 also for 4 to 5 hours of work.

[@TomHofmann]

similar for events. 2 hours event should produce about 150 good photos if you cover it properly. I also would say if you consider yourself intermediate you need to have a basic camera package already: DSLR/ Mirrorless, 16-35, 70-200, flash. I'd say this is the absolute minimum. Ideally you should have two identical bodies, each with an external flash (although you probably will rarely use it), 16-35, 24-70, 70-200, flash remote, tripod, and a portable soft box with C-stand. From my experience no event is ever the same and because things change up until the last minute so do the clients requirements. I have had situations were a client asked on the day for some formal portraits of the speakers.

[@claudianreyn4529]

In my opinion, you should have the equipment necessary for the shoot you want to do and not ask for rental money. 1400 for a 2h conference is ridiculous much, at least here in Vienna. I would charge 300 and that's already considered much, maybe 100€/h for events, even I'm a pro. But probably I live in the wrong country and I should consider moving to USA, or in a counrty where ppl have respect for this profession and reward it accordingly.

[@TomHofmann]

I thought the same. From a clients perspective that's a lot of money for what's often just a nice to have with image only being used in newsletters or maybe on a web site.

[@drpepper998]

Thanks for this. It validates my framework for pricing. I'm interested why you didn't go into licensing? My biggest hurdle is quoting something and getting told my pricing is out of there budget, but when checking local comparable photographers pricing, I'm almost always lower than them. It's frustating.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

I'd love to live in America to be able to charge that much🤣 not an option in Italy 7:20 example would be a 300€ job for me, maybe, all that as pro event photographer working in the best clubs in Milan

[@trancer03]

Exactly! I am happy if I get 175 or 200 for a full shoot including editing. People simply don't have the money to spare to pay more to a photographer. Even very expensive photographers only earn like 300 for a full shoot Including editing.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

@@trancer03 1400 for a 2h basic easy event with 40 pics only I'd be rich, but for real, a lounge bar owner asked me if wanna go there 19-23 for 70e, I'm doing it just to know more people

[@trancer03]

@@v_stands_for_value124 yeah it's the same in Belgium. Events are the worst paying jobs like event/club entry and drinks or maybe upto 100 or 150 for 4-5 hours of shooting. They know they can it cheap so they don't pay more. It's really striking how much spare money Americans have. Europeans can hardly pay the gas and electric bills. But this has been going on way longer than the energy crisis

[@v_stands_for_value124]

@@trancer03 we’ll see better days my friend

[@orlandomoreno1297]

Thank you so much for the breakdown, starting photographer here and this was super helpful.. plus your funny comments just grasp the viewer also keep on posting I got my notifications on and will be watching more! Thanks Lizzie!

[@Losochill]

Just the video I’ve been looking for!! 🔥🔥🔥 DIRECT AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT! Idk why but when people walk up to me while Im shooting and ask “how much you charge” I’m never comfortable giving a price. Although people like my work I’m always weary of saying a number.

[@carl_joyce]

Nice vid but worth noting these figures you’re quoting you would never be able to charge for in most parts of the world, apart from countries like Canada, Switzerland etc.

[@tangoingthekitchen]

yeah, because everyone want "free stuff" and for some people "Photography is not a real job"

[@carl_joyce]

@@tangoingthekitchen I don’t know what this means

[@Kirby_Oski]

I know this is more of a guide and not a copy and paste video as far as the numbers are concerned but thank you, thank you! I have seen so many generalize information videos that don’t give you any numbers to work with which meaning you watch a ten minute vid and still have no clue. Awesome video.

[@fmarjanephotography]

Thanks for the insight, however, it's valuable to mention that this is a pricing offer for North America/Western Europe, $200 per hour on most of the planet is what the highest-paid professionals get in a week let alone an hour :)

[@fredm316]

Stupid question but I have to ask it. How do you deliver the photos? USB stick or what method exactly?

[@Funiaqq]

Share a cloud, with view only option or with download option.

[@ryanPQmartinez]

Thanks Lizzie! Super helpful and up to date! I got a spark for an idea for a video! Thanks again as always!

[@feherberci]

I was a photographer for a three decades and went though from music to advertising including everything. Working for big clients, magazines, etc. Pricedrop started about 15 years ago as the digital era has arrived, the clients started to offer less and less year by year, even top newpapers for cover shots. A few years ago an oil company hired me as a communication supervisor and lead content creator. Stability, high income plus extras, traveling a lot and never on economy, 5 star etc. Sad but the photography as a professional is dead. I am a hobby shooter now with Hassys - enjoying it.

[@dougmacmillan1712]

I saw it coming around 10 years before the transition to digital. The market started changing. My bread-and-butter commercial accounts were moving out of the area. We had a unique opportunity and I went back to college and earned a BS in Computer Science just when PCs were becoming popular. I'm about to retire from a successful career in IT. I also think photography as a career is unsustainable, though it has always been so for 95%+ of all who tried to make a decent living at it. Pursuing your dreams is all well and good, but there may be a hidden price to it. You may not be able to save adequately for the future, especially retirement.

[@shawn5210]

You should charge a fee that reflects your value to the client. Not hourly or daily. If you’re early on in your career, then you may not know that value so it’s ok to bill how Lizzie explains here.

[@bullettin]

I completely agree with value-based pricing. I think this is the "+" in the $1000+ Pro level.

[@rockj8197]

Shawn- how do you about determining this? I would assume some people understand the value to them and some don’t. How do you get them to come up with that value?

[@bullettin]

@Rock J I know you asked Shawn, but the channel "The Futur" and Chris Do have several videos about the value conversation.

[@shawn5210]

@@rockj8197 You are right, some do understand the value and some don't. Most will though particularly if you are providing a lot of value. You don't get them to come up with the value, they will never hire you if you ask them to do that. You have to show and determine this yourself. This is difficult and complicated and it is why I said if you are early on in your career then you should charge as Lizzie explains. If you can use a KPI like "increase in the number of sales made" etc then maybe you can determine the impact of your service to the client but how do you take into account the other factors you don't control like market conditions, competition, weather, etc.. It is impossible. And also how do you determine the impact of increasing positive reactions to a new brand direction that may unfold over multiple years... also impossible. You just have to go with your gut and make your best guess. If you niche down, this will be easier. If you can determine or even guess value, here is somewhere to start: 20% of their yearly profit from your value. More if no one else can provide it. Less if there is viable competition.

[@pepetrueno8722]

Your customers don’t care if you use a Leica or a Sony, nor whether you are using full frame or medium format, nor do they care about how much money you’ve spent on lighting. They only care about the final product

[@mikebennett214]

So I ran my own studio for about 7 years and was offered a position with a company doing more or less the same thing but without having to chase the contracts and handle the 'business' side of things. That is going well and I am finding myself with the bandwidth to dip my toe into some side-hustle freelancing (outside of the realm of the business, they know, etc. etc...) and I was just having lunch with a friend yesterday talking about pricing and where to put things since I don't have all the overhead of owning a studio anymore. This video showed up at the PERFECT time. Thanks, as always, for your transparency, professionalism, and willingness to share in this space.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Thank you again, one more time, for this kind of "mind map" !!! Extremely useful, for sure and, it is always a pleasure having this kind of semi-interactive chat with you. Take care. See ya, blue skies 🤙🏻🍀📸

[@narsplace]

Honestly the hard thing about pro photographer vs non pro photographer. Is often the non professional has better skills.

[@JonackFilm]

Okay real numbers here :) I worked for BAYER, two 4 hour days and one 8 hour day. Delivered them 150 Photos from an event. Made me 2450€ :)

[@franknurnberger1102]

Lizzie seems to some general ideas that might be valid in an ideal advertising photography world. However, I am not totally convinced that she has done any professional event or wedding work recently. Event managers who happen to hire event photographers desperately need a final sum on the estimate before they know how many images the photographer will deliver. They have to meet a budget and hate it if they get additional cost after the event. And renting a 70-200 because the venue was so big is quite ridiculous. Also - obviously - the going rate vastly differs from country to country, even from city to city. She does have a point in reminding all of us to think about the real expenitures we have when sending an estimate. Cost of living and cost of renting or buying flats and studios have increased rapidly in Berlin, for instance up to a point when NYC appartments appear reasonable compared to what we need to spend - especially considering that the pay over here is much worse.

[@Swaysphotolife]

had to replay cause you have on screen $60 x $200=$260; 60x200 is 12000; I was taking notes and I noticed it. if you want to fix it? but love this topic thanks the video

[@andrewdobin]

I could be way off on this, but if you need to rent a 70-200 lens you aren't doing professional work regularily.

[@LuisMarquez80]

That Canadian dollar lol

[@mike_s_media]

Holy crap make a new Squarespace read already!

[@alangardner8596]

No thanks, I'd rather stay amateur and photograph what I want how I want and the only person I have to keep happy is myself.

[@dragonfist25]

Perfect timing for this video. I got asked to shoot a BJJ competition and I was going to sell myself way short before I watched this.

[@Loetofficial]

Who is paying 1500 for 2hours ?

[@kevin-haggerty]

Thank you so mucn for this!

[@johnpernesttiphoto6159]

Excellent information and Steller content as always Lizzie!!! Also how did you enjoy your visit to Nashville????

[@fahmi95048115]

I think it’s completely different where i live (Austria) were they expecting less than 50$ for 2 hours public event for whole event as intermediate photographer or even semi-intermediate photographer 😂 i think

[@harris-]

8hour wedding for arnd 100 final photos? Haha.. Malaysian clients:whole day shoot means around 500++ photos inc editing

[@tangoingthekitchen]

I am not a Beginner Photographer, I been using the camera since that I have 10 years old, would I be considered an Intermediate?

[@dreamwrldstudios2790]

Great content but honestly I subscribed because you said we love money over here and I 1000% agree with that

[@mkcreativity_]

Thank you for this information! I keep wondering, what about license fee? :)

[@EugeMik]

Multiply by three and you are good to go. Otherwise, stay home.

[@noahahill]

Incredibly helpful, thank you!

[@derzanpeltier]

thanks lizzie these videos really help me especially 😊, as i am transitioning from intermediate to professional

[@stevenlang7709]

Charge them $10,000 for the shoot

[@derekraymond9618]

This was super helpful Lizzie! I have always struggled with quoting. I even want to sell my work online so this helped SO MUCH

[@mikebreazeale2563]

I have a question...I have always wanted to know. When do you become a professional? Are you a professional? I have been shooting for 45 + years and sometimes I don't know if I am a professional. I am way past intermediate but not sure about being a professional. I have made a lot of money with my camera...won some prizes and met some great and famous people but still not sure if I am a professional. I love photography that much, but I guess I am... I made money so that makes me a professional right. Please tell me...

[@MonteMediaProductions]

Congratulations, on your awards and experience, I would consider you a professional… but to answer your question… We must first define ‘professional’ my definition would be “A professional in their craft is somebody you can ask for job and they get it done and not just done but always having satisfied customers. Putting smiles on their faces”